SCRIPTURE: Genesis 46:8-27
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This is one of those passages we often skip over, a boring list of names. I reminded myself that each one of these people were real people, with real stories (like Perez & Zerah, whose father was also their grandfather, see Genesis 38:1-30). I try to imagine a household with 1 father and 4 mothers, 2 of whom were slaves, imagine the sibling rivalries). And then I think how God is mixed up in this mixed up family, developing the line of the promised Messiah (see Matthew 1:1-17).
The lesson is that God uses ordinary people (like Toyota dealers), to accomplish his extraordinary plan. He works through history, through generations, through tough times and twisted relationships, to restore order. In other words, God works through me, and you too. My name is in His family tree!
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for being willing to work with people like me. Thank you for reminding me that You are the “tie that binds” this odd assortment of people together, to form and spread Your family. Amen.
Here we are given the account of Jacob’s family More than 200 years since God had promised him to be a great nation, Jacob’s family was only 70 strong. God’s promises are always sure, but God’s timing is not always our timing. Certainly not the numbers as described by the stars in the sky or the sand on the seashore. Our God is always at work and we do see His power in accomplishing what He has promised. That branch did become a great nation and from this family tree Jesus Christ was born.
Lord help me in my walk with You. Help me to see Your will always. Help me also to be patient as You accomplish Your Will in my life.
O Jesus, Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be;
And Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Oh, give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.