Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes. (Genesis 46:3,4 ESV)
Plans
Our front doorknob was stuck. We usually lock the door with a deadbolt, but the twisty button on the knob itself also had a lock, which was not working. And now, it had become stuck in the locked position.
I took it apart, used logic and mechanical knowledge, but could not get the lock to disengage. Finally, in near desperation, I found on the internet a description of the design notes for this kind of lock.
And somehow, because I could now determine the intentions of the designer, the intricate gears and stops made sense.
And my wife had a good suggestion, too…
Poor Jacob (renamed Israel) was afraid. He and his family had settled in Canaan, in the area that God had promised him a homeland. He was almost experiencing the fulfilment of God’s promises! But the loss of his beloved son, years of draught, and neighbor-troubles had combined to give him doubts.
But God, in His love, gave Israel a glimpse of things to come. Israel would have peace. His body would die, not in conflict, danger, or shortages, but in rest, among family, and in God’s presence.
We do not always understand God’s plans as He works them out. But like Israel, we know the end. And because we are loved by God, that end is peace.
Do not be afraid, God’s love is at work.