The Pride of Jacob

Today we finish the book of Genesis. What a beginning we have had to our study! So rich is the depth and breadth of this incredible book. We probably could have gone only a few verses at a time and still not probed the entire meaning of it. But we have had a good start to our study. We move on to Matthew tomorrow. Switching back and forth will help us to see how Old and New Testaments interact and interpret one another. Most of all, we see that the entire Bible is Christocentric. Jesus is the central focus and meaning. We see that as well today:

Read Psalm 47

This is a short psalm of praise that gives glory to God the Most High, the great King over the universe. This psalm also praises God who chose "our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves." This phrase speaks about God's gracious will to choose Israel (the man, Jacob) to be a great nation. God also chose to continue to be with Israel (the nation), and protect it and prosper it. Even when he gives Israel over to destruction for its wickedness, God always protects a remnant, that is, a remaining faithful people who trust him, who receive his gracious promises. Ultimately we see Jesus of Nazareth become the fulfillment of all these promises. He is the pride of Jacob of which Psalm 47 speaks. He, a descendant of Abraham, is also the God of Abraham. May we too give him all glory, laud, and honor.

Read Genesis 50

When Jacob dies, the brothers are very concerned for their own lives. They prove themselves to be repentant, offering themselves to be Joseph's servants. Joseph proves himself to be forgiving and freely provides for them and their offspring. The reconciliation was real, not just faked for Jacob's sake. No, the love of God had flowed through Joseph and healed the family wounds. May we be so motivated to love and forgive.

Jacob dies and is buried in Canaan with great weeping. I think I goofed on an earlier devotion and said that it would be years later at the Exodus that they would carry his bones out. My mistake. Jacob is buried after the embalming process (a royal treatment!). It was Joseph's bones who were carried out of Egypt hundreds of years later. But what a testimony Joseph leaves for Israel's descendants. Like his father he makes them swear that he would not be buried in Egypt. Why? Because they were guaranteed by God they would inhabit the Promised Land. And Joseph believes so strongly that God is true and faithful, he knows his final resting place will be this land, even if it is a long time later that they must carry his bones.

But before Joseph dies (and this makes a great conclusion to Genesis) Joseph also makes this bold confession, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." God's plan is carried out. And if we are aware that God is active, that God intervenes, and that God is able to bring good out of seemingly evil circumstances, then we can have a greater sense of peace and confidence all throughout life.

So we have a beautiful conclusion to Genesis. God's people look forward to the Promised Land. God's people give thanks that he has worked good even in the face of evil. God's people rely on him in every situation. And the royal, messianic line lives on. The Savior will come...

Ask Yourself:

Why is it so hard for me to trust when I cannot see what God is up to?

Why is it so difficult for me to forgive sin and let it go permanently?

What do I do to show others that I know I will make it to the Promised Land of Heaven?

Pray:

All glory, laud, and honor To You, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

The company of angels Is praising You on high,
And we with all creation In chorus make reply.

All glory, laud, and honor To You, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

As You received their praises, Accept the prayers we bring,
O Source of ev'ry blessing, Our good and gracious King.

(LSB 442:2, 5, Public Domain)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!