Devotionals

Which Jacob Do You Resemble?

by Dale Buchanan 
06/13/26
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#17 in “Blessing for Senior Saints” series

 When Jacob finally arrived in Egypt with his whole family intact, Joseph took his father to meet Pharaoh. Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was.  Jacob gave this “ray of sunshine (??) answer: “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been.” (Genesis 47:9 KJV).  Jacob definitely had experienced some rough years – most of them self-inflicted tough times. Perhaps he had experienced many times of repentance and remorse over his sin and wicked decisions.

 But his outlook changed after he arrived in Egypt for the last 17 years of his life.  (Genesis 47:28 KJV). In Hebrews 11:21, he is listed as a hero of faith when he blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshiped the Lord.  He could now see how God had worked through his life and brought blessing.

 All of us can look back at the good and bad events of our lives, times of God’s blessing, and times of God’s chastening for our failures to follow Him.   But through it all, God was there to love and direct, or to chasten and redirect.  His love and grace have always been present to help us in all the good and bad paths of our lives.

 Paul, even while in prison,  commanded, “Rejoice in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:4 KJV) So, what will it be in your life?  Will you be like the first or the second Jacob? Will you dwell on the bad days of your life, or will you choose to bless others? It’s a decision you should make now.