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Good movies end with a nice resolution—a happy ending to a pressing problem, or a relationship restored, or a quest completed. The music flourishes, the credits roll, and you leave the theater. But faithful fans know that the end is not always 'the end' of the story. There’s often a small part shared after the credits. 

If the life of Joseph were a movie, it would have a Hollywood ending after chapter 46. Now reconciled with his brothers, Joseph sends them to get their father. A final sweeping and emotional scene of Joseph and Jacob embracing in Egypt while the music swells before the screen fades to black and the credits roll. 

But…this is not the end of the story for Joesph or Jacob. God is still setting the stage for the most intricate, interwoven, and undeniable backstory to His story the world has ever seen. In Genesis 47 to 50, we have a “post-credit” sequence that gives clues about God’s grand plan of redemption that will continue. 

Listen to our study of Genesis 47:1-10 and see how God sets the stage for the next great chapter of this incredible story.

Read ahead for this Sunday when we'll be studying the rest of Genesis 47. You can also catch up on other studies from our Genesis series.

Summer is finally here—what a great time to pick up a good book (and THE Good Book) for some summer reading. Not only is reading good for your mind and for your body—but it's great for your soul!

Stop by our bookstore in our 2nd floor office after service on Sunday to browse the great selection of resources. From Bibles and reference books to devotionals and children’s books, there’s something for everyone. All the books are at or below retail and all the Bibles are at or below cost. Suggested donations are on the back of each resource—donations above cost go to support world missions.

So browse the shelves after service on Sundays—then set aside some time and enjoy the quiet pleasure of reading a good book!

Be Encouraged

“My pilgrimage has lasted 130 years…”
–Genesis 47:9

When asked by Pharaoh about his age, Jacob gave this answer: “My pilgrimage has lasted 130 years. My years have been few and hard, and they have not reached the years of my fathers during their pilgrimages.” (Genesis 47:9, CSB)

Jacob’s answer gives us great insight to his perspective:

He comments on the quantity of years. To us, 130 years is a long life! But compared to Jacob’s father (Isaac; 180 years old) and grandfather (Abraham; 175 years old), his years were actually few.

He also comments on the quality of those years. Jacob’s life was hard and difficult. He lived through many trials and tribulations—some as the result of his own decisions; others the result of the choices of others.

But Jacob also uses an important word to define the totality of his life: pilgrimage. Jacob knew that he was just passing through. His eternal perspective let him see that the earth was not his home. Luz, Haran, Hebron, Bethel, the Promised Land, Egypt…these places were just stops along the way—not his final resting place. 

What a great reminder! Like Jacob, we are pilgrims passing through. Compared to Heaven, the days of the years of our lives are few and hard as well. So we need to make the most of every opportunity (see Ephesians 5:16). Then, just after answering Pharaoh’s question, Jacob blessed Pharaoh—the most politically important and powerful man in the world at that time! 

Like Jacob, when we see beyond our present placement and into eternity, we can summon up spiritual courage and step out in faith to bless others as opportunities arise. It might not be blessing a powerful person like Pharaoh—it might be much more important and impactful…like serving your family, blessing your children, or sharing the Gospel with your neighbors.

So remember, Pilgrim…this world is not your home.

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