READ GENESIS 47
This chapter includes various "scenes," but one recurring theme: God's favor remains on Jacob and Joseph consistently, and this is apparent to those around them. Consider the image of Jacob, an elderly and weak man, blessing Pharaoh. This event could only happen because Pharaoh understands that Jacob worships the Living God. While Joseph deals with a famine that is devastating crops, he continues to devise innovative ways to ensure people are kept nourished and alive despite the decreasing food supply.
Towards the conclusion of the chapter, it becomes evident that Jacob is nearing the end of his life. Having spent the past 17 years in Egypt under Joseph's care (the same amount of time Joseph spent under Jacob's care in his earlier years), Jacob begins contemplating where he should be laid to rest. Jacob clearly expresses his desire not to be buried in Egypt but to return home. At first glance, this may seem like a simple act of nostalgia, but it is actually more complex. Despite Joseph's prominent position, Jacob could have been given an elaborate Egyptian funeral and burial. However, faithfulness for Jacob meant something different. Even in death and burial, Jacob wanted to emphasize that he was not an idol-worshipping Egyptian but a worshipper of the true God.
It is intriguing to observe how one's priorities shift as one ages. Jacob's life has been a journey of fluctuating between following God faithfully and attempting to "play God" at other times. Yet, as he approaches the end of his life, it appears that his focus is on one thing: worshipping the God who consistently proved faithful. This serves as a powerful lesson that is relevant even today. The temporary pursuits of this world, such as status, power, and possessions, will eventually hold little significance. Faithfulness was Jacob's aim, and it should be ours as well.
QUESTIONS
1. What insights about God are revealed in this excerpt?
2. What significance did Jacob place on being laid to rest alongside his ancestors, rather than in Egypt?
3. How can you guard against becoming overly preoccupied with worldly, temporary matters? What steps can you take to cultivate a perspective focused on long-lasting, eternal priorities?