LIFE IS A PILGRIMAGE
Genesis 47:1-12
And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” (9)
chapter 47
1. Joseph went and told Pharaoh, "My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen."
2. He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3. Pharaoh asked the brothers, "What is your occupation?" "Your servants are shepherds, " they replied to Pharaoh, "just as our fathers were."
4. They also said to him, "We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen."
5. Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Your father and your brothers have come to you,
6. and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock. "
7. Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh,
8. Pharaoh asked him, "How old are you?"
9. And Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers."
10. Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
11. So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses, as Pharaoh directed.
12. Joseph also provided his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with food, according to the number of their children.
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1. Pharaoh welcomed Joseph’s family to Egypt, giving them choice land and provisions. Joseph also brought his father Jacob to Pharaoh and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
2. When asked about his age, Jacob described his life as a pilgrimage. Jacob said his life was few and difficult. While 130 years seems like a long life, Jacob knew it was a piece of a bigger picture, of past pilgrimages, the lives of his fathers before him. Jacob recognized that God had been with him in his life as he was before him and will be with his children after him.
3. Although it sometimes feels like our world is the only one that matters, we must realize that we are part of a much larger story that God is unfolding throughout history. We can only walk with God during the time that we have. Jacob could recognize that his life was a result of God’s mercy. May we also recognize that our journey in this life God has given us is defined by God’s mercy. And his mercy will go on, as it has throughout history.
Prayer: Lord, life often feels difficult, yet you are with us in our pilgrimage, and you lead us by your love and grace.
One Word: Live by faith