Reassurance in the Midst of Change -Friday, January 18
NOTE: I am posting this ahead of schedule due to the expected snowstorm this evening with possible power outages.
Our reading for Friday, January 18, 2013: Genesis 46:1-48:22
My selection: Genesis 46:2-4
2 And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here am I.” 3 Then he said, “I am God,the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”
My reflections: See the graciousness of God to an old man! The Lord spoke to Jacob in visions in the night. Jacob was not unresponsive. He said, “Here am I.” God identified Himself again as the God of his father. He gave direction to Jacob to go without fear down to Egypt. The Lord told Jacob what He would do with them in Egypt: “make [them] a great nation.” God promised His presence with Jacob in Egypt and that He would bring him back to the land of Canaan after dying in Joseph’s care.
So God graciously gave this old man reassurance and direction at a time when He was sending him on a journey to a foreign land. The elderly are reticent to leave familiar surroundings but Jacob had known the Lord for many years and trusted Him to complete His promises to him.
My challenge: You may be called to unforeseen and uncomfortable circumstances but God works out His unchanging and sovereign purposes. Walk today in the knowledge that He has a purpose in what He calls you to do. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
Our reading for Saturday, January 19, 2013: Genesis 49:1-Exodus 1:22