August 29th, 2018 | Genesis 49:22-33
“Don’t forget where you came from!” This advice is often given to firstgeneration college students, people moving to another area of the country, or those who become more financially successful than their parents and grandparents. It is a call to remember that they have not achieved everything simply because of their own effort. Rather, many people have supported them to provide these opportunities.
Our reading today continues to recount Jacob’s blessings for his sons. He now comes to Joseph. Joseph receives the longest and most elaborate blessing. Jacob recounts for Joseph how “With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility” (v. 23). Joseph was now the second-in-command to the Pharaoh of Egypt, but he had experienced opposition and suffering. His brothers betrayed him, Potiphar’s wife lied about him, and the royal cupbearer forgot him. He should not forget this history of oppression and deliverance.
Jacob reminds Joseph that he has overcome these difficulties “because of the hand of the Mighty one of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father’s
God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you” (vv. 24–25). God was with Joseph. He has achieved his position and saved his family because of the Lord’s help. What is true for Joseph will also be true of all who come after him.
God’s presence with Joseph meant that he was blessed by the skies above, the deep waters below, with fruitfulness and new life and children (v. 25). These blessings are things that we might take for granted as the normal process of life. As Jacob reminds Joseph, these are gifts from God, and we must never forget where they come from.
APPLY THE WORD
Where have you come from? Not just your family of origin, but your spiritual journey—where has God delivered and led and blessed you? Reflect on your story today, taking time to thank God for His blessings and praise Him for His guidance. Consider sharing your story with someone as a testimony of encouragement to God’s faithfulness.
Today in the Word’s Devotion is a production of Moody Global Ministries
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