Genesis 47

We are considering aspects of our pilgrimage as they come to light in the story of Jacob’s move to Egypt.

·        46:28-30: hope.  On pilgrimage we must have a proper view of hope.  What can we count on in this temporary existence?  Jacob was privileged to see Joseph, the son he thought was dead.  The fact is, that doesn’t always happen in this life.  We will always die with certain hopes unfulfilled.  But do we have the hope of eternal life?  Is that hope secure?

·        46:31-34: occupation.  In preparing them to stand before Pharaoh Joseph discusses with his brothers how to talk about their occupation.  What will occupy us during this life?  From creation God has put workers and helpers together that they might exist meaningfully.  What is your work?  Do you sense God’s blessing in it?  

·        47:1-10: authority.  If we are only strangers in this world, and are citizens of another country, do I have to pay attention to the rulers of this world?  Jesus Himself spoke of this with Peter (Mt. 17:24-27).  God has established various pillars of authority in societies.  Do you accept God’s hand in it?  Do you accept His will for you in those different authority/submission relationships?

·        47:11-26: finishing.  We might have thought there was no need to continue the story of Joseph’s ruling in Egypt.  After all, the family is there and their care is the point of the story.  But God gives us this glimpse of Joseph serving through the entire period of the famine, finishing the task assigned to him.  While this life is temporary, we want to finish what God has given us to do.  Like Paul we will want to say with integrity, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).

·        47:27-31: death.  Abraham planned for the inevitable day of his death when he purchased the cave of Machpelah.  There he was buried with Sarah; Isaac and Rebekah were buried there; and eventually Jacob and Leah would be buried there.  Part of pilgrimage (living) is preparing for death.  Death ought not be ignored nor should it grip us unmercifully.  For God’s glory and for the sake of our loved ones, we ought to plan for the inevitable.

There are many “pilgrim psalms” in the book of Psalms.  One of them is Psalm 84 (perhaps you can take time to read it).  It is a song full of worship in the context of pilgrimage.  It notes how the true worshiper sets his heart on pilgrimage (v5).  Because of this perspective, even when he goes through the Valley of Baca (the Valley of Affliction), his tears actually become a spring, a source of refreshment.  Because he (the pilgrim) knows God and knows that God is with him, he walks this temporary path in full assurance (v11-12).

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.  O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!