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In today’s reading—Genesis 46–47—God reassures Jacob with a promise before he journeys to Egypt to be reunited with Joseph. Jacob likely struggled with the idea of moving to Egypt, knowing that the Abrahamic Covenant was tied to the land of Canaan. He may have felt that leaving Canaan was going against God’s will. But God eased Jacob’s fears, appearing to him in a night vision and declaring:

“I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” Genesis 46:4

God’s sovereign plan was still intact. He promised to be with Jacob in Egypt, to make his descendants into a great nation, and to bring them back to the Promised Land. And God also comforted Jacob with the assurance that Joseph would be by his side at the end of his life, likely giving Jacob the idea that Joseph could return his body to the resting place of his forefathers (Genesis 47:29–31).

In the middle section of Genesis 46, we see the names and numbers of Jacob’s descendants. What began as a family of 70 people would, in time, become a vast nation—so numerous that the Egyptians would see them as a threat to their security.

We're reminded here, as Israel separates from Egypt and takes on the lowly status of sheepherders, of a recurring theme throughout the patriarchs' stories: What may seem like a setback (in this case, slavery in Egypt) is actually part of God's greater plan. His sovereignty assures us that even in hardship, He is working for the good of those who faithfully follow Him. The 400 years in Egypt were not a mistake—they were always part of His divine plan (Genesis 15:13).

The decisions Joseph makes in these chapters (Genesis 46–47) reveal the wisdom that God had given him: He settled his family in Goshen, likely to protect them from cultural and religious assimilation with the Egyptians; and He managed Egypt’s food supply, ensuring that the population was cared for and Pharaoh prospered.

Takeaway:  Like Joseph and his family in Egypt, we are called to live in this world, but not be of it. We must remain faithful to God, making Him our top priority no matter where life takes us. God blesses our faithfulness by guiding our steps and giving us the gifts we need—whether it’s wisdom, discernment, strength, or endurance. Just as God promised to bring Jacob’s family back to the Promised Land, He will also make a way for us to reach our eternal home.

Wherever God has placed you today, you can trust that He is leading, providing, and fulfilling His promises to and through you.