Jacob's Point of Departure

Scripture: Then He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.” Genesis 46:3-4

Observation: Neither Jacob nor any of his sons have yet expressed concern about going to Egypt, according to the text. They have accepted the plan to move most of their items to Egypt, and for Jacob to be included in the trek to see Joseph. Yet here when they are already on the way, God tells Jacob not be afraid.

The location of this event is interesting. Beersheba has appeared several time already in Genesis. It was a place of a dispute with Abraham about a well, and another resolution involving Isaac. It is also the place where Jacob saw a ladder going up and down to heaven, and declared that God was in that place. This, then is a place of a beginning and an ending for Jacob. His first encounter with God at Beersheba was the first time he accepted God as his God, and the first time he thus accepted the mantel of the covenant. Now, it is the last place he speaks to God before leaving the 'promised land' to which his descendants will have to return. In other words, this is the point of his first and last encounters with God in Canaan.

Application: Jacob is a challenging figure for me. It seems he never fully "buys into" God, yet he might have the most real and personal encounters with God. In this last one, despite Jacob continuing his prideful strength, God knows his heart and comforts him with a "do not be afraid" pronouncement.

Jacob might be the patriarch I most identify with. I wrestle with God still. I work on my own for my own ends ... not quite like working 14 years for Rachael, but certainly working instead of praying and trusting. Despite having faith, I am surprised when God shows up. I try to solve my own problems. When Jacob did those things, God let him flounder and then loved him, lead him, advised him, and rewarded him. It would be better if I just put more trust in God to make things easier on myself.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as I said last night, my next three weeks will be busy and stressful. I turn that over to you. Please lead me. I will listen, and yes there are challenges to be solved, but I will follow your direction and most of all listen for that direction. I seek your hand and your guidance in my everyday life, in my holy vocation, in my daily walk. Amen.