Sunday, March 16, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Genesis 46:28–47:6

Israel sent Judah ahead to Joseph to lead the way before him into Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. He presented himself to him, fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, “I can die now, having seen for myself that you are still alive.” Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ When Pharaoh calls you, and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our ancestors’ — in order that you may settle in the land of Goshen, because all shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.” 

So Joseph went and told Pharaoh, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; they are now in the land of Goshen.” From among his brothers he took five men and presented them to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, as our ancestors were.” They said to Pharaoh, “We have come to reside as aliens in the land; for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks because the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now, we ask you, let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land; let them live in the land of Goshen; and if you know that there are capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.” (NRSV) 

Reflection

Early in my adult life I left Missouri for the big city. Chicago was (still is) a world away from the small town where I was born and raised. I was a country mouse with a lot of apprehension about fitting in. I drifted about for a while and, thankfully, I eventually stumbled into coffee hour at Fourth Church.

Here I connected with a friendly woman named Catherine who introduced me to her circle of friends. How grateful I am for this circle still today! This is a group where I fit in. These friends help me to avoid being swallowed whole by all the glittering trappings of this big city. They help me to keep my life Christ centered.  

Similarly, Jacob was probably apprehensive about bringing his family from their rural enclave in Canaan to Egypt. Egypt was the Chicago of its time with its sophisticated culture, written language, big government, and polytheistic religion. To Jacob’s family of shepherds this environment would have been overwhelming and presented a risk that some might lose their identity as God’s chosen ones.

Thank heavens for Joseph and his connections! With Pharoah’s approval, Jacob and his family settled in Goshen. In this rural area, apart from the Egyptians, Jacob’s family could tend their sheep and till the fertile land. But most importantly, Goshen provided the environment for Jacob’s family to maintain their identity as God’s people.

Prayer
God of refuge, help me to focus today and every day on your love and grace. Guide my actions that they reflect your truth and help me to always remember that I am your child. Amen.

Written by Sarah Younger, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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