Jacob and his sons and their families were fruitful and increased in number in Egypt. Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years, and when the time came for him to finish his own pilgrimage, he wanted to pass on God’s blessing to his children, starting with Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

Jacob, who God renamed Israel, lived a difficult life, but God was his good shepherd through it all and showed mercy upon mercy. Once, Jacob thought he had lost his son Joseph, yet in God’s time he was reunited and could share God’s blessing with Joseph and his children. Jacob knew that his permanent home was not in Egypt, or even where he asked to be buried with his ancestors. It was in God’s promise and salvation, and he wanted to instill that in his children.

Old, blind, and powerless, Jacob still had strength and hope in the word and promises of God. He blessed Joseph and his children Ephraim and Manasseh with the same blessing and promises of God he had received.
Application: Lord, you are our good shepherd. May we find blessing and hope in you and your salvation.
One Word: God is the shepherd of your life