Bible Chapter: Genesis 47

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.
    After their long journey to settle in Egypt, the time came for Joseph to introduce his family to Pharaoh.  He was pleased to meet them.  Pharaoh told Joseph that if any of his brothers had special skills in caring for livestock to be put in charge of what he had.  Then Joseph introduced his father.  Jacob described his life as a pilgrimage.
    Life is a journey.  For most people it has many years and includes both rewards and challenges.  A long trip, that is a good description of living on this earth.  We are traveling somewhere.  Jacob realized that he was on a journey to a land promised to him by God.  There was a physical land promised to his descendants.  Jacob never saw it. But, he was also on a journey to eternity, to a place where God would provide eternal life.  We are all on this same journey.  The important question to ask is are we traveling the right road?  Are we going in the right direction?  Jacob was looking for that heavenly city.
    This chapter also shows the results of the planning during the times of bumper crops.  All the food stored became the lifeline that kept people alive during the famine.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The trip of life really goes by quickly.  It is hard for me to believe where I am in this path.  I am reminded of the importance of being faithful to God and working to accomplish things that have value. As Jacob said, the years of his journey were difficult.  While we say that a person who is one hundred years old is very old, that is nothing in the light of eternity.  That is only the blink of an eye.  So, I must walk my pilgrimage of life pleasing to the Lord.  I must do what He says so I can take my eternal journey with Him in the home He prepares.
    All of the effort we put in to live and survive on this earth is important.  But, it is only preparation for eternity.  Yes, it is nice to have all the creature comforts.  It is also not what makes life worth living or gives it real value.  The old saying “Only what’s done for Christ will last” is very true.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Life has great value.  God made us.  He did a good job.  The enemy of our eternal souls does all he can to mess up life and bring problems.  That is often when people want to quit.  We all must see that we have value and apply God’s truths to our individual lives.  Then life is worth living.  We will rejoice when we see Jesus.