Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?” Gen. 47:7-8 What?!! Is it just me or did anyone else think… manners Pharaoh, where are they?! Poor Jacob! Jacob blesses the man and doesn’t get a thank you but a how old are you!? Can you imagine!? Just embalm me now right! Joseph later was probably like don’t feel bad dad he probably asks everyone that. However it was Jacobs response that got me thinking. Gen. 47:9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh , “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers. – We’ve all had days when we already feel like we look old but we actually feel older than we look right, but I think there was hope in Jacobs response as there can be hope in us no matter what our age or circumstances. Notice the word Jacob used twice in reference to his life was pilgrimage. The definition of pilgrimage is a journey to a place associated with someone or something well know or respected. WOW! Jacob knew this life was only temporary and fleeting in light of eternity with his God in heaven. He had hope! It didn’t change that his years had been difficult but when we can boast in the hope of the glory of God we can also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. (Romans 5:2-7) Thankful we live this side of the cross and have His Word to guide us but even in Jacobs time when all he had was God he knew.. he walked so closely with Him that he had that hope in his heart just as his grandfather Abraham did. Hebrews 11:10 says, he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. -Take heart my friend and I will too that this world is not our home- But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9 And while we are still being gifted air our lungs and a beat in our heart God has not completed the special mission He purposed in our lives so lets “Rock it” this day because the Rock of Ages is our God!
