January 19, 2025 - Genesis 49-50

“Then Jacob called his sons and said, ‘Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come.  Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob, listen to Israel your father’” (49:1-2).  The end of one story, actually several stories (of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob)  ends and a new one (Joshua and his generation) and the beginning of a new one.  However, there is no sharp break in the story itself.  The story providentially moves from the patriarchs to their descendants and the further fulfillment of God’ promises.  Israel is in Egypt but that’s not where they are destined to be.  The God of Abraham promised a land to Abraham and his descendants, and a land they will now have.  So, Jacob died.  Before the people left Egypt, however, “Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob’” (50:24).  And so, the promise remains.  And his promises to us remain.

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform.

He plants his footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in the dark and hidden mines,

With never-failing skill,

He fashions all his bright designs

And works his sov'reign will.

So God we trust in you.

O God, we trust in you.

When tears are great and comforts few,

We hope in mercies ever new,

We trust in you.   --William Cowper (1774)