In Egypt, there was greater opportunity to settle, work the land and grow, whilst as nomads in Canaan, the opportunity to grow and be great was more limited. In this incident, we see God's goodness on display - He goes before them, ordaining decisions and making the path clearer and open, so that they know where He wants them.
Joseph's advance planning and leadership are evident in his dealings with his father and brothers. God's hand has been on him and has placed him into a situation where he could be best used and bring most glory to God.
John 14:6 is illustrated in this passage by God's Way being shown as best and the only way, the Truth, in that in God the Truth has come out and that through Him Life has been received. It is only through God that we receive these blessings, though we may try through other methods or people.
2 Cor 4:17-18 is illustrated as it reminds us that God allows us to go through things that may cause real pain and suffering temporarily, but He is refining us and making us more like Him. Ultimately, an eternal perspective is what God is about, not just temporary happiness.
Joseph saved the people of Egypt's lives. He remained true to his father's God by always recognising His work, staying humble and repeatedly openly living before God.
47:9 shows Jacob's attitude of his time on earth being few, hard, difficult and poorer compared with his ancestors. 48:15-16 show that God has gone before him and his ancestors, has been his shepherd all his life and delivered him from hard. Jacob was looking at his life from 2 perspectives. However, only the latter provided a Godly perspective on life. I need to choose daily to live in God's perspective not my own.
Jacob realised the sense of privilege and honour in following in God's ways. However, he didn't take it for granted either. Rather, he saw the need to trust in God and look to Him to provide. Only when God blesses will we receive blessing, if God removes it, we will not receive His blessing.
Humanly speaking, those whom God chose to work with were a ragtag bunch of people with flaws and failings galore. God chose to use them, in spite of who they were, because He loved them and was keen to bring about His blessing through them. God's grace is sufficient for us - His power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
Ultimately, 49:10 was fulfilled in Jesus - Reuben, Judah & Joseph all had their part to play in bringing it to fulfillment. (cf 1 Chron 5:1-2)
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