These chapters seem kind of boring after the stirring events of the last few chapters, but they nonetheless teach us lessons about God’s providence. We read about the way Joseph saved the Egyptians through the famine, and how he continued to serve Pharaoh. Then we read about how God manages his household.
Even though Jacob’s family is prospering in Egypt, there is an understanding that it is not home, that it is not the land of God’s promise. Jacob makes Joseph promise to take him home someday. Jacob’s blessing is bestowed on Joseph’s oldest two sons, who he makes his own children. Even in that, God has his way. Jacob crosses his hands during the blessing and gives the younger a greater blessing than the older. On that day a new standard of speech was born. Jacob says the new blessing will be, “may God make you as Ephraim and Manasseh.”
It’s easy to see God’s hand in the stirring, dramatic events of our lives. It is equally true, though, that God works out his purposes during the everyday living of our lives, during the “loose ends.” As we care for ourselves and our families, as we take care of our business, as we walk day to day with God, his purposes are carried out in our lives. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. There is much to be said for living simply with our heart set on home. How all of that fits into God’s plan will one day be seen.
Micah 6:8 reminds us of our calling: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Lord, keep my heart turned toward home, and work out your purposes through me as I live my life.
Tracy Ainsworth
