Genesis 47: 1-12

Genesis 47: 1- 12 (summarized)

Joseph then went to Pharaoh and informed the master of his family’s arrival. He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh who inquired them of their occupation and whom the men humbly responded to. They said, “Your servants are shepherds just as our fathers were.” They also said to him, “We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.” Then, Pharaoh instructed Joseph to let his father and brothers settle in the best part of the land which was Goshen. Also, he was told to appoint one who had a special ability, to be in charge of Pharaoh’s own livestock. Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh,  Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?” And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence. As expected Jacob and his sons together with their families settled in the place assigned to them. Each household was given food according to the number of their children.

Message:

Today I learned the significance of the words Christlikeness and “bless” as demonstrated by Jacob before and after his interview with Pharaoh. He blessed Pharaoh without minding their differences an act which suggests that Jacob did not limit God’s blessing to himself and his family members. He blessed Pharaoh as if he’s one of them. Also, I am made aware of how important qualifications are to a person who desires to hire a worker. Pharaoh did not hire any of Joseph’s brothers for a job only because of Joseph’s influence but he demanded a “special ability” that would make such a brother qualified for the target job. Moreover, I’ve known Joseph’s fairness as he provided each of his brothers’ family food according to their numbers and not based on his level of affection. The part that struck me most here is Jacob’s use of the word “pilgrimage” to refer to his existence. Considering that the word means “a journey undertaken for a religious motive” (www.britannica.com) it can be concluded that Jacob acknowledged the fact that he’s not a permanent resident of the world, that wherever he was at that time, he knew that it was not the place for him. His word apparently suggests his awareness of a permanent residence somewhere else.

Application:

Christlikeness is difficult to manifest especially in unfavorable situations. However, as I vow to reflect God’s commandments, I will try my best to demonstrate a behavior favorable to God whatever the circumstance is. I will pray for those who like and dislike me. I will see to it that I extend help to both in the same way. Should I be given an opportunity to assign someone to a task or a certain job, I’ll be after the person’s qualifications and not on my connection with the person.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing as well as for the provisions that I and my family enjoy Lord. Thank you for reminding me to exercise fairness in all circumstances. Had I done otherwise in the past Lord, forgive me. Father, bless me today. Just like Jacob and Joseph Father, bestow upon me the wisdom I need for me to be able to decide fairly on matters concerning treatment of others and distribution of tasks. Help me keep my faith in You Lord especially during financial trials. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.