Thoughts on Genesis chapter 43
KEY SCRIPTURES
Genesis 43:8 KJV
“And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and thou, and also our little ones”
Matthew 4:4 NKJV
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”
In this chapter, Jacob painfully rescinded his initial decision not to let go of Benjamin, and consented to the conditions attached to a return trip to Egypt in search of food. It was now a matter of life and death!
This is relatable as seasons come in our lives where the need of the hour compels us to temporary let go of comforts we have become accustomed to having, or even agree to what we initially said no to. In all, God causes all things to work together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose for them (never forget).
Even when we are in a tight corner, God is mindful of us. The brothers who sold Joseph into slavery could never have known God was using their action then to preserve their lives in future, when famine ravaged the nations.
A focal point of learning from the chapter is Character Transformation. Starting with Judah, who years earlier, was the one that suggested selling Joseph into slavery (Gen 37:26). Now he is seen stepping up as a leader, willing to bear an eternal blame if Benjamin does not return.
Character growth was a contributory factor that made it easier for Joseph to embody the words of Colossians 3:12-14. He forgave his brothers as they came face to face with him again, and he could sit through wining and dinning with them.
Joseph gave five times the serving of the brothers to Benjamin, and the brothers did not elicit envy or hatred towards him, like they did in Gen 37:3-4, when Joseph was preferentially treated by his father.
It was plain to Joseph that the old was gone, all things have become new with his brothers, as Joseph grilled them in various ways. Completely healed of any old wounds which their presence would have reopened, it was safe for him to reveal himself to them.
It is worth remembering that Transformation is the plan of God for every believer in Christ. For anyone who is born again is a new creation. Our old ways must give way to the new life, patterned after Christ. New wine must not be in in old skin bottles.
The Christian life is authentic and should not embody contradictions which keep the people around us guessing what identity we bear . There is nothing we conformed to in seasons past (refered to as elements of this world in Galatians 4:3) that we cannot be set free from, or that cannot be reversed through faith in God’s word.
The word of God is instrumental to the transformation or character growth we desire to see in our lives. And according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Therefore, in this year of Ebenezer, we must individually prioritise growing up into Christ in all things. God’s help is available through the Holy Spirit, who is resident in us. Submitting to the authority of the word of God is the only way to produce the right kind of fruit.
And we will no longer be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine as we step fully into our sonship as heirs of God.
REVIEW ON GENESIS 46
THEME
God’s Presence and Guidance in Times of Transition
KEY VERSE
“And He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.'” — ( _Genesis 46:3)_
REFLECTION
This chapter records the journey of Jacob (Israel) and his entire household from Canaan to Egypt after learning that Joseph was alive and ruling in Egypt. Before leaving, Jacob stopped at Beersheba to offer sacrifices to God.
During the night, God spoke to him in a vision, assuring him not to be afraid of relocating to Egypt and promising that He would be with him.
Also, this chapter evidently shows God’s faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His covenant people.
Here, we are reminded that God is not only the God of destinations but also the God of transitions. When He says, “Do not be afraid,” it is because He has already gone ahead of us.
The same God who guided Jacob into Egypt is able to guide us through every change, challenge, and uncertainty, leading us into His perfect will.
LESSONS
1. Seek God’s Direction Before Major Decisions
2. God Goes With Us Through Life’s Changes
3. Fear Should Not Determine Our Choices
4. God’s Promises May Unfold in Unexpected Places
5. God Restores What Seems Lost
PRAYER
Lord, restore every area of my life that has experienced loss, disappointment, or delay. Turn my mourning into joy and my waiting into testimony in Jesus Christ name 🙏
MY DECLARATION:
“I will not fear the future, for God goes before me. His presence is with me, His promises are sure, and His purpose for my life will be fulfilled in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
THOUGHTS ON GENESIS 47
THEME
WISDOM AND GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IN DIFFICULT TIMES
MAIN VERSE
GEN 47:13
“And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore.
Supporting Verses
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent directs his way
Ecclesiastes 9:18
Wisdom is better than weapons of war
James 1:5
If any lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD
Hebrews 11:21
Jacob worshipped, leaning upon his staff
Gen 47 showcases Joseph’s leadership skills in various aspects of life; how he successfully managed a period of unprecedented hardship, dealing effectively with the people and the ruler. This chapter also touches on the spiritual authority.
Some of which are:
1 Difficult seasons reveal the depth of wisdom, preparation, and character in a person.
The famine became severe across the land, yet Joseph remained calm and thoughtful.
Crisis revealed his capacity. It shows us that godly wisdom is not just mere spiritual talk. It is holistic, affecting
– administration
– Crisis response
– finance
– stewardship
– national preservation.
The balance that Joseph brought into all these, made him the exceptional man that he was.
2. A godly person should not become confused in crisis but useful.
It was a season of unprecedented, never before sustained global famine, yet Joseph responded with deep wisdom, not panicked by the devastating and encroaching famine. Rather, step by step, he managed the crisis carefully and responsibly. The people survived, and Pharaoh’s kingdom was strengthened.
3. Faithfulness Creates Influence
Joseph’s integrity and competence made him a blessing to both the people and the throne. He did not seek to use the occasion to enrich himself. His integrity enriched him. This shows that excellence and wisdom can make believers instruments of preservation in society.
4. GOD’s ’s Provision Does Not Mean Life Has No Pain
When Pharaoh asked Jacob about his age, Jacob replied:
“Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been…”
Despite:
– covenant promises
– divine encounters
– prosperity
– preservation
Jacob acknowledged that his life still carried struggles, disappointments, fears, and pain.
Walking with GOD does not mean a trouble-free life, but it does mean GOD’s sustaining presence through it all.
5. Spiritual Authority Is Not Measured by Earthly Position
Though Pharaoh was king of Egypt, Jacob blessed him.The old shepherd stood before the mighty ruler and released blessing. Spiritual authority is deeper than political power or worldly status.
6. GOD preserves HIS People in Hard Seasons
While famine devastated the land, Israel dwelt safely in Goshen and multiplied. GOD knows how to sustain His people even in difficult environments.
7. Jacob Ended His Journey Worshipping
At the close of his life, Jacob worshipped leaning upon his staff.
After all the journeys and battles of life, he ended up submitting his life to GOD, only.
Takeaway
– Wisdom is more valuable than panic during crisis
– GOD can use one faithful person to preserve many
– Life may still contain pain even under GOD’s covenant
– True greatness carries spiritual weight, not merely worldly power
– The best way to finish life is still leaning and worshipping GOD
Prayer Point
1. LORD, give us wisdom for difficult seasons
2. Help us remain calm and useful in crisis
3. Sustain us through the painful realities of life
4. Let our lives carry spiritual weight
5. Help us to trust and obey you in every situation.
THOUGHTS ON GENESIS CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT.
THEME: The Passing On of Spiritual Legacy and the Sovereignty of God Over Human Expectations.
This chapter details the pivotal moment when a dying Jacob (Israel) adopts Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, giving Joseph a double inheritance.
In a prophetic act, Jacob crosses his hands, intentionally placing his right hand on the younger Ephraim to grant him the greater blessing.
The key verses that capture the theological and historical weight of this chapter include:
-Verse 5.
-Verses 14-16.
-Verse 19.
KEY POINTS:
▪︎The Adoption: Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, equating them with his first sons, Reuben and Simeon. Verse 5.
▪︎The Blessing: Jacob purposefully crosses his hands to bless the younger Ephraim with the superior blessing. Verses 14-16.
▪︎The Younger is Greater: Jacob reinforces a recurring Biblical theme where the younger is chosen over the elder. Verse 19.
LESSONS
As God was with Jacob (Israel), protecting him from his enemies and saw him through the tough times of his life, God is with us today, shepherding us at all times!
▪︎We should always pray according to the wil of God.
We should endeavour to leave a spiritual legacy for our generations.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for being our Shepherd!
Help us to leave a spiritual legacy for our children and their generations!
Help us to always pray according to Your Will as Jacob prayed and prevailed in Jesus Christ’s Mighty Name! Amen!
Thank You, Jesus!
REFLECTIONS ON GENESIS CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Genesis Chapter Forty-Nine recorded the LAST WORDS of JACOB to his sons.
“And when Jacob has finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last”
In many cultures and families, the WORDS of dying Patriachs and Matriachs are taken very seriously.
Key Scriptures
(Genesis 49:1-2)
“And Jacob called his sons and said, Father together, that I may tell you what shall be fall you in the last days: Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father”
REFELECTIONS
“CHARACTER MATTERS”
As a young Lagos Boy travelling to a Boarding School out of State, THREE SCRIPTURES shaped my decisions and choices till date!
1. Proverbs 1:10
(Consent thou Not)
2. Hosea 1:5
(Consider Your Ways)
&
3. Galatians 6:7
(God is Not mocked)
SHAPING DESTINY
The major lesson from the “prophesies” of Grandpa Israel is that habits, lifestyle and character have implications for DESTINY!
EXAMPLES
1. REUBEN
Reuben disqualified himself from the blessings of a traditional FIRST BORN as a result of abominable Adultery.
2. SIMEON & LEVI
Simeon and Levi were cursed because of their anger, self- will and cruelty.
3. JUDAH
Judah is a beneficiary of Divine Grace.
However at critical points when leadership was required, Judah intervened:
1. JUDAH SAVED JOSEPH’S LIFE
(Genesis 37:26)
2. JUDAH VOLUNTEERED HIMSELF AS SUSTITUTE FOR BENJAMIN
(Genesis 44:18-34)
Judah received the ”greatest” to the extent that JESUS is from the Tribe of Judah_ The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
What a Blessing!
4. JOSEPH
The Character of Joseph was exemplary!
Joseph was a great servant of God hence greatly blessed.
He suffered slavery, slander and prison yet still served Almighty God.
(Gen 39- Gen 41)
The Blessing of Joseph confirmed that:
“THE ARMS OF HIS HANDS WERE MADE STRONG BY THE HANDS OF MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB”
(Gen 49:24-26)
Indeed, Joseph’s tribe was blessed already when his sons received their blessing in Genesis 48.
IMPLICATIONS
1. Success is not by default – IT IS BY DESIGN/ INTENTIONAL ACTS
2. DISCIPLINE is critical to achieving DESTINY
3. ALMIGHTY GOD KEEPS RECORD
4. Actions taken in secret still have public consequences because ALL THINGS ARE OPEN TO HIM
(Reuben assumed his secret was safe)
(Hebrews 4:13)
5. THE LIMIT OF BIRTHRIGHTS
1 Chronicles 5 verse 1 recorded that the Birthrights of REUBEN was given to the SONS OF JOSEPH hence he was not reckoned as first born!
6.IMPACT ON GENERATIONS
Brethren, it is scary that the actions or reckless behaviours of Reuben, Simeon and Levi impacted the PROGRESS and LONGEVITY of the unborn generations of the their tribes!
Maybe, some of us are still affected by certain deeds of our earthly ancestors.
BRETHREN, CONSIDER YOUR WAYS!
CONCLUSION
The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7)
Prayers
Dear Lord, help me to guard my heart with ALL DILIGENCE, IN JESUS NAME, I PRAY.
Amen.
