Bible Chapter: Genesis 46

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    It was finally time for the caravan of Jacob’s family to head to Egypt.  Joseph had sent all they needed to travel.  They had carts to haul everything and give a ride to those who needed it.  They got to their destination and Judah was sent to Joseph to let him know they had arrived.  The text says that Joseph went to his father, fell on his neck and wept a good long while.  I can imagine the emotion of that scene.  I imagine that neither of them wanted to let go.  This impossible reunion had happened.  Jacob said the he could die in peace, having be reunited with Joseph.
    God again promised Jacob that He would be with them, that His promises would be kept.  It seemed to be taking a while, this is now the third generation since God’s promises to Abraham.  But, Jacob was reassured that it would happen and they would become a great nation.  Everything was coming together and this family could begin to see hope for the future.  They were reunited.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The Bible is filled with many important principles for life.  One of them is found in this chapter.  When the family arrived in Egypt, Joseph planned for them to live in the Land of Goshen.  Joseph instructed them to say they were shepherds, knowing that the Egyptians despised shepherds.  This allowed them to live in Goshen and maintain a separation from the Egyptians.  Spiritual separation from the world is vital for those who follow God.  It is easy to allow sin and sinful attitudes to taint our spiritual life.  This does not mean that we hide in a cave somewhere.  It does mean that we stay separate from the activities of sin.  By living in Goshen, Israel was able to develop as a nation and worship God as He directed.
    This principle is important.  How close can I get to Jesus?  While this is not a contest or a matter of spiritual pride, it is an important issue to strive to be as close to God as I can and mature in my spiritual life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the difference between serving God and serving self.  I want to help people live a life pleasing to God.  I am observing a blending of Godly life and the influence of the culture.  There is pressure to make the Christian life as close to the world as possible.  This is a confusion that must be understood and changed.  No spiritual compromise.