February 25 (Adar 1) ~ Genesis 46

Moving Day

S - Scripture: Genesis 46:1-34

O - Observations:

Yesterday we learned that Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and now the brothers have come home to Jacob (called "Israel") and announces to their father, "Joseph is ALIVE!" and they plan to make their trip back to Egypt so the father, Jacob, can see his son, Joseph, and in Jacob's own words, "die". Yet before they make he trip God, in his graciousness, comes to Jacob in a dream and confirms the plan, "And he said, I [am] God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt" and makes a promise, "I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up [again]".

The following verses lists the family, 70 in total (or 75 according to the Septuagent), and who is to go with Jacob down into Egypt. This group along with their wives would be multiplied according to this passage into a "great nation".

A - Application for me today:

First, God knew the future. He knew these 70 or 75 peoples would be a very great nation. The principle we have seen time and time again is that God knows the beginning from the end. He had His purposes laid before the foundation of the world and this move came as no surprise to God. Ehe divine precept is, In all thy ways acknowledge God; and the promise annexed to it is, He sall direct thy paths.

At the end of the chapter Joseph instructs his brothers on what to say to Pharoah regarding their occupation. The principle and application for me is this, "It is generally best for people to abide in the callings that they have been bred to, and used to. Whatever employment or condition God, in his providence, has allotted for us, let us accommodate ourselves to it, and satisfy ourselves with it, and not mind high things. It is better to be the credit of a mean post than the shame of a high one." ~ Matthew Henry, Commentator

Many people, especially in my category as a "stay at home mom" find their station in life to be "of a mean post", to use the old English, and yet it truly is one of the most important tasks we can do, to "put our lives on hold" if you will and sacrifice career, money, fame and fortune and care for these growing young ones. It is hard and often times humbling work, the days aren't perfect, but it can be satisfying when we look to God for direction.

I run into other moms and I have a couple of friends who I would certainly consider "better moms than me" and certainly they seem to have it all together ... I am not what I would call myself "best" in the category of a mom, stay at home or not, and certainly I am not suggesting that if you work outside the home that you are breaking some commandment either. For three years I prayed to be able to come home with my 1st daughter, but those prayers were not answered until my 2nd daughter was born.

What I am saying is not to look down on the importance of what you have to do as a mom or a wife, or whereever you are in your life, whether you stay home or work outside the home or whatever you do. Look to God for your worth and for your direction and do all for the Glory of God!

P - Prayer in response:

LORD, I acknowledge You today and ask you to direct my paths, both today and always. Let me be given to my work in my home and in my typing and adhere to my current calling as a mother and wife (help meet) first and foremost to accomplish what You want me to accomplish. I feel that often times I fall short of the Glory You intend. For me today, and each day, give me the visions and dreams You have for me and my family so that I might fulfill the mission of Your Kingdom on this earth. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

In the Wonderful, Precious Name of our Savior
Yehoshua HaMashiach ~ Jesus the Messiah I pray
Amen & Amen.


The Love Dare Challenge

Day 17: Love promotes intimacy

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. —Proverbs 17:9 NIV

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain (or "she will greatly enrich his life" NIV). —Proverbs 31:11 NASB

TODAY’S DARE

Determine to guard your mate’s secrets (unless they are dangerous to them or to you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe.