Scripture to Read: Genesis 46:1-34
We have seen God's plan throughout Joseph's story. We have seen the power of God to reconcile Joseph with his brothers and to extend grace to them. In today's devotion, we read how the promise of God continues to be fulfilled. As Jacob (Israel) prepares to go to his son Joseph, God comes to Jacob in another vision and reiterates the promise of Abraham once more, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation. I Myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes" (Genesis 46:3-4). God has been faithful to His covenant, and this vision to Jacob (Israel) here in Genesis 46 is a reminder that God always keeps His promises. As God's Word describes Jacob (Israel) taking his offspring to Egypt, followed by a genealogy of the sons of Israel (Genesis 46:5-27), God shows His people that even as He is at work in the life of Joseph, His plans are bigger than Joseph's. The genealogy of Jacob (Israel) is a part of the greatest genealogy found in Scripture, the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:1-17). God's plan has always been a plan of redemption. We see that just as Jacob and Joseph were reunited (Genesis 46:28-34) also, our Lord Jesus Christ came to redeem us from the power and penalty of sin. May we join His plan in sharing His with others!
Challenge & Application
1. How does God’s vision to Jacob (Israel) remind us of the promise He has made to us?
2. Who can you share God’s plan of redemption with this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!