In
Genesis and Matthew, we see Jacob and Joseph looking to the future. It
is to be a future of blessing. For both, death was near. the future,
however, was life. In Jacob’s time, the expectation concerned an earthly
land – “God will be with you and take you back to the land of your
fathers” (Genesis 48:21).
In Christ, our expectation concerns a heavenly land – “the Son of Man
is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will
reward each person according to what they have done” (Matthew 16:27). In Proverbs 3:1-2,
we read, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in
your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you
peace and prosperity.” While earthly prosperity is a gift of God for
which we must be grateful, the greatest gift of God is heavenly – “the
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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