Genesis 45:21-46:7 “A Whole New Day”

“So Jacob set out for Egypt with all his possessions. And when he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac.”
Genesis 46:1 (NLT)

Jacob could hardly believe the news that his son Joseph was still alive. On the one hand, he must have been disappointed when he heard that his other sons had deceived him all these years. But on the other hand, Jacob had a renewed hope that he would be reunited with his beloved Joseph. He exclaimed, “I must go and see him before I die!”

However, Jacob’s decision to move to Egypt was dictated by circumstances and emotion. What if he was too hasty in making this decision? His grandfather Abraham went to Egypt during a famine a got into trouble. God specifically told his father Isaac not to go there. Was it really God’s will that he leave the Promised Land of Canaan to go there now? Therefore, when Jacob arrived in Beersheba, he built an altar to seek the LORD.

It is wise to seek God in major decisions. How many times do we act on our own knowledge and wisdom and not even ask God? What if God has a different plan than we can see? If we want the LORD to order our steps and help us choose the best way, then we should seek Him in everything we do.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

The LORD blessed Jacob’s faith by speaking to him in night visions. He told him not to be afraid to go down to Egypt for He would be with him. God would make him a great nation there and bring him back to the land of Canaan. Moreover, Joseph would be at his side when he died.

Do you have a major decision to make? Don’t do it on your own when you have such a great Advisor who is also called the Wonderful Counselor. Seek to know His will, and then do what He says. He will lead you in the paths of righteousness, and in the end He will crown you with glory!