Thursday 29 August, 2019

27 Now the Israelites settled in Egypt in the region of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number. 28 Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life were a hundred and forty-seven. 29 When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called for his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried.” “I will do as you say,” he said. 31 “Swear to me,” he said. Then Joseph swore to him, and Israel worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Jacob lived a life of faithfulness. As he came to the end of his life he was still worshipping God. Despite his obvious frailty, Jacob was demonstrating his great love of God and thankfulness of all that God had done through leaning on his staff and worshipping God. He continued to trust in God’s promises and blessings for the future generations.

He remained faithful in worship and trusted in God’s promises to the end of his days – this reminds me of the Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me to the end of my days and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

When I come to the end of my life, I pray that my trust in and my love for God will so overwhelm me that there is nothing left for me to do but to worship my God.

Lord we thank you for Jacob’s faithfulness. I pray that we always will walk in goodness and mercy. We worship you Lord and lift your name on high for all generations to see. Help us to worship you daily. Thank you that you are a faithful God and we put our trust in you. Amen

Written by Meredith O’Neill