Genesis 47:27-31; Genesis 48:1-7
The long life of Jacob is about to end. He recognised before Pharaoh that his days had been few and evil (Genesis 47:9). He passed through painful experiences and, through his own fault, lost many years. His career did not reach the level of Abraham’s and Isaac’s. Why then, when we know nothing of the last actions of these two patriarchs, is Jacob’s end recorded in such detail? Precisely because this triumphant end underlines and glorifies the grace of God towards this man. It is the crowning of His patient work of discipline and we must admire the fruit of it. Jacob reviews his life and calls to mind its different stages — Luz, in other words, Bethel, where God made Himself known to him; Ephrath and the death of Rachel. Imagine our life’s way is also over. All our looking into the past will emphasize the mercy of the One, who, with the same love, has led us, supported us, reproved and comforted us. Now Jacob bows himself down on the bed head (Genesis 47:31) where according to Hebrews 11:21, he worships, leaning upon the top of his pilgrim’s staff. Let us not wait for our last day to give such a response to the love of the Lord Jesus.