Past, Present, Future

[bluidkiti]

Past, Present, Future

Read Genesis 45:1 through 47:31

Having just come through the Christmas season, you very likely encountered Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as a book, a film, or even a Christmas card. The story lends itself well to the holidays and the New Year, with Ebenezer Scrooge forced to evaluate his life with the help of other-worldly guides from Christmases past, present, and future.

At a critical point in his own life, Israel had opportunity to reflect on his past and consider his future with some help from a divine Visitor. The record of God’s appearing to Israel immediately before the family’s arrival in Egypt is brief, but full of meaning (Genesis 46:1–4). God called Israel “Jacob,” a reminder of the patriarch’s deceitful youth. “I am God, the God of your father,” the Lord told Israel, reminding him of His hand at work through this family’s generations. And God promised to be with Israel in Egypt and to make the family into a nation there.

At times God reminds each of us of His work in our lives, transforming us from our fallen humanity into Christlike sons and daughters. Our futures can be as bright as our Heavenly Father’s choicest plans for us.

Challenge for Today: Remind yourself that God’s grace paints your life story.

Quicklook:Genesis 46:1–4 God's Word For Today