January 18, 2025 - Genesis 46-48

“God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob.’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘I am God, the God of your father.  Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.  I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.’” (46:2-4).  I know it might seem a bit redundant but there is a consistent theme through these chapters, that of God’s faithfulness and his care for his people.  Over and over and over again, we see this theme.  In our own lives, over and over and over again, we experience God’s faithfulness.  And so, Jacob’s life ended on the same note as he assured Joseph of God’s faithfulness:  “Then Israel said to Joseph, ‘Behold, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your fathers’” (48:21).  To die with a testimony of God’s faithfulness on our lips!  Oh, my!

And are we yet alive,

And see each other’s face?

Glory and praise to Jesus give

For His redeeming grace.

Preserved by power divine

To full salvation here,

Again in Jesus’ praise we join,

And in His sight appear.

Out of all the Lord

Hath brought us by His love;

And still He doth His help afford,

And hides our life above.   -- Charles Wesley (1749)