Saturday 24 August, 2019

46 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. 3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” 5 Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. 6 So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. 7 Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring.

The next season in Jacobs life begins. He & all he has accumulated in his life; family, servants, flocks, herds, & goods are heading to Egypt & to Joseph. Amidst the wonderful expectation of seeing his most favoured son again, he stops to worship God.

I am struck by Jacob, in the middle of his going, he made time stop and worship and honour God. This then allowed the space for God to speak to him, reassure him and impart peace into his fear of going to Egypt. A new land, culture, food, people … all the unknowns.

We’re not told that Jacob feared going, however, it’s revealing that this is what God speaks to him about. Only God can know our very hearts. God’s reassurance would have given him such comfort, knowing that the God of his present was going with him to his future.

We have that same comfort. Jesus is always with us and he knows our very hearts. Our future maybe uncertain, or perhaps we know details of what lies ahead, it’s exciting but scary all at the same time. This passage has been a great reminder and a comfort to me right now, trusting that Jesus will be with me into my future. It’s also been a great reminder to stop, to worship and honour God allowing space and time for Him to speak to me/us.

Lord thank you for all the times you walked with me into my future, especially the times when I too have been fearful in moving countries. You have provided for me and blessed me throughout the years I’ve worshipped you. Thank you that your peace and presence are going before me into my future now, leading me into my best life. Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson