Apologetics

The Days Of The Years 1

by Olawale Ogunsola
03/08/24
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'"And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. Genesis 47:9, King James Version, (KJV).

The above are the words of father Jacob, the son of Isaac. He was the grandson of the father of faith who also doubles as the friend of God. In this part of this writing, let us chew over the word "Pilgrimage'.

Jacob in his declaration above made it abundantly clear that he saw living in this life as being on Pilgrimage'. He saw himself as not having a permanent home here on Earth. He was aware of the truth that he was on a journey back to where he came from. He allowed this thought to permeate his thoughts to the extent that it had become so common to reveal this to anyone irrespective of the person's position or status. He never minded whether he was saying it in the village or city. He never stopped disclosing it even in the palace.

That was the reason he included it in his answer to King Pharaoh's question, "How old art thou?" Genesis 47:8.

Jacob "preached" everywhere and to everyone so that whoever came across him would learn the lesson that his sojourn here on the Earth is temporary, no matter how rich or highly placed the person may be.

How did he come across this word? No doubt it must have been taught him by his father, Isaac, who in turn learned it from his father of faith, his father. How am I sure of this? The Holy Scriptures discloses the confidence of God in His friend, Abraham, concerning his household thus, "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." Genesis 18:19.

So, seeing living on the Earth as being on Pilgrimage started with Abraham who, although was rich was not attached to the Earth and her contents(Genesis 13:1-4).
Isaac also started to be wealthy and continued to do so until he became greatly wealthy Genesis 26:13.

They were people who did not know sorrow, although they had their portion of life challenges but they held tightly on to their Savior, the Lord their God, and loosely to mundane things that pass away.

This was his reason for declaring that his fathers lived as Pilgrims on the Earth until they returned to their Creator.

Beloved reader, how do you live your life? Do you know that you are on a "visit" to the Earth? You have arrived here since the time you were born. How are you prepared for your return journey home? How often do you tell people about this? Let everyone know that he is on a journey on the Earth and it will end one day. Do not hesitate to make it known anywhere you find yourself. Maybe, someone's heart may be turned to know the Lord and change his evil approach to life and living. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.