Suffering, Reconciliation, and the Blessings of the Nations (Gen. 47) [Jay Thomas]

The Joseph story is nearing the conclusion. In Genesis 47, we now see the re-creating power of God at work as Joseph is reunited with his family and brings his family into Egypt so they can take possession of fruitful land. In fact, the text even says that in that place they are fruitful and multiply, as if this is an echo of Eden! The climax of this scene is when Jacob is presented before Pharaoh. I did not see that coming - rather than begging or demurring, Jacob blesses Pharaoh. The little guy blesses the king! Of course he does, because by this point, Jacob has a heavenly identity even though he lives within the world. Jacob knows that he and this little nation are children of God and the world and the authority of God belong to them. So in exile, Jacob lives and will die as a prince. Perhaps you are in a difficult season. Perhaps you need to be reminded that God is for you, with you, and has bestowed on you authority to bless not beg.