The Lord Knew Better
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 47 & Psalm 47 (NIV)
(Benedict Tay, Associate PTM, Youth Ministry)
READ:
Genesis 47 (NIV)
– V6: The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.
Psalm 47 (NIV)
– V1: Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
– V3-4: He subdued peoples under us and nations under our feet. He chose our heritage for us, the pride of Jacob whom he loves.
OBSERVE:
Amid drought, famine and trouble, Jacob could only turn to the Lord. There was no perceivable way out. As the head of the household, Jacob failed his duty. He could not provide for his family as well as his livestock. The only way out was to humble himself, leave his home and sojourn in a faraway land. A land that thus far brought grief and pain, the apparent loss of his son, Joseph.
Yet, the Lord knew better. The Lord had already put in motion a plan that would provide for Jacob. Through Pharaoh and Joseph, the Lord blessed Jacob abundantly. When Jacob sent his sons, he was hoping for grain. Lo and behold, the Lord not only provided that, but He also reunited Jacob with his beloved son, Joseph.
As I read of God’s provision for Jacob, I cannot help but respond as the psalmist did in Psalm 47:1 – “Shout to God with loud songs of joy”.
Psalm 47 reminds me that God is above all things, there is nothing that He cannot overcome. He loves us just as He loves Jacob and Joseph. Surely, through this incident in Jacob’s life, we too can take comfort in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
APPLY:
As a young adult and a full-time ministry worker, I am constantly thinking about my future. At times, the realities of this world (like ridiculous housing and living cost) seem overwhelming and I am lost as to how things will work out. There seems to be no logical way out and that the options ahead bleak.
But as I read both passages, my eyes turn to the Lord, recognizing that His plans are perfect. Just as God had provided a way for Jacob and his family, I too can trust in the faithfulness of God. I cannot see any solution to many concerns and worries in my life, but I’m learning to see that God works above all men. He has subdued everything under Him, and my only response is to remember and praise His name.
DO:
1. To take time to reflect on the goodness of God. To remember that He has watched over me. He is still watching over me. And He will continue to watch over me all the days of my life.
2. To surrender the concerns and worries of my future into His hands. Not for my wants and desires to be fulfilled, but the Lord’s desires and will for me to be fulfilled.
3. To sing praises to Him by singing the song “Thank you for Saving Me” by Delirious?.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me by the work of Jesus on the cross. Thank you for showing me that you are always faithful. God, you know far better than any expert or king. You see things beyond my limited sight. You know what I need, and you never fail to provide. Lord, help me trust you. Help me declare your praises, not because of the circumstances around me, but because you have already won the ultimate victory.
Finally, Lord, please bless every reader of this reflection, that they will also fix their eyes on you and remember your faithfulness this day.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
