Genesis 47
Genesis 47
Don’t you wish you could know the details of God’s plan for your life? I wonder how Joseph’s perspective would have been different if he knew how the story would end? Chapter 47 lands the plane of the story of Joseph and leaves us with two main takeaways.
First, God is working ALL things together for the good of those who love him. You may have heard this verse before, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). It is often quoted and thrown around, but it can be tough to believe. The story of Joseph is the proof of this verse. Through his suffering and pain, God would save his people and the Egyptians from certain starvation. Joseph’s trials would culminate in salvation and blessing.
God worked all things in Joseph’s life, even evil things, for good, but a man was coming who would fully and finally prove this verse. His suffering and pain would free his people from eternal bondage to sin. His death would culminate in life and salvation for all who believe in him. His resurrection would be the greatest blessing and hope for those who love him.
Your life may not look like Joseph’s in terms of suffering or Egyptian blessing, BUT if you believe in Jesus, then you can trust that God HAS and WILL work all things for good. The end has been written - your end is eternal life in Christ. Everything else is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Second, God keeps his promises. In chapter 22 God promised Abraham, “and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Two generations later we start to see how God is blessing the nations through his people. God didn’t forget. He didn’t stop keeping his promises just because his people were sinful and messy. 2 Tim 2:13 says, “if we are faithless, He remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” Just as I wrote above - God would fully and finally fulfill his promise to Abraham in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the work of Jesus, God would extend his blessing to people of every tribe, tongue, and nation (rev 7:9).
Family Discussion:
By: Joe Weaver
Don’t you wish you could know the details of God’s plan for your life? I wonder how Joseph’s perspective would have been different if he knew how the story would end? Chapter 47 lands the plane of the story of Joseph and leaves us with two main takeaways.
First, God is working ALL things together for the good of those who love him. You may have heard this verse before, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). It is often quoted and thrown around, but it can be tough to believe. The story of Joseph is the proof of this verse. Through his suffering and pain, God would save his people and the Egyptians from certain starvation. Joseph’s trials would culminate in salvation and blessing.
God worked all things in Joseph’s life, even evil things, for good, but a man was coming who would fully and finally prove this verse. His suffering and pain would free his people from eternal bondage to sin. His death would culminate in life and salvation for all who believe in him. His resurrection would be the greatest blessing and hope for those who love him.
Your life may not look like Joseph’s in terms of suffering or Egyptian blessing, BUT if you believe in Jesus, then you can trust that God HAS and WILL work all things for good. The end has been written - your end is eternal life in Christ. Everything else is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
Second, God keeps his promises. In chapter 22 God promised Abraham, “and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Two generations later we start to see how God is blessing the nations through his people. God didn’t forget. He didn’t stop keeping his promises just because his people were sinful and messy. 2 Tim 2:13 says, “if we are faithless, He remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” Just as I wrote above - God would fully and finally fulfill his promise to Abraham in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the work of Jesus, God would extend his blessing to people of every tribe, tongue, and nation (rev 7:9).
Family Discussion:
- What’s your favorite ending to a story/movie?
- How does knowing the end of your story change how you live?
- God keeps his promises - and he promises to sanctify us (remove all our sin). How is that going in your life?
By: Joe Weaver
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