Israel knew that Egypt was not God’s best for his future. It was God’s provision for today, but the promise for tomorrow was greater. He accepted today’s blessing, but didn’t allow it to distract him from tomorrow’s promise.
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Scripture
Genesis 47:29-30
“And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.” He answered, “I will do as you have said.”
Observation
Israel was living in the blessing and provision of God. Joseph had given them a place to call home in Goshen, and was feeding them from Pharaoh’s storehouses. While the rest of the known world was selling off their possessions to buy grain from Pharaoh, Israel’s family was living in comfort and security. How could things possibly get any better?! Yet Israel knew that Egypt was not God’s best for his future. It was God’s provision for today, but the promise for tomorrow was greater. He accepted today’s blessing, but didn’t allow it to distract him from tomorrow’s promise.
Application
God has blessed me so abundantly! I have everything I need for daily life, and so much more. I’m grateful for what God has given me! If I’m not careful though, I can allow the blessing of today, to cost me the greater promises for tomorrow by becoming complacent. I can give up on the promised land, by hanging on to Goshen too tightly. This week, I need to choose to hold God’s blessings with an open hand so that I could see the fulfillment of His promises in my life.
Prayer
God, thank you for blessing me abundantly! Help me to live a life of gratefulness, but always hold your blessings with an open hand so that I would not miss out on the fulfillment of your best for me. Don’t let me get too comfortable in Goshen!
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