Before You Judge Your Life, Let God Finish
A lesson from Jacob's last days. (Holy Hump Day! #5)
Near the end of Genesis, we get two self-reflections on the life of Jacob. The shift in perspective from an old man gives us reason to be reluctant in defining our lives in media res.
His first assessment comes after his arrival in Egypt (Gen 47:7-10). His restored son, Joseph, presents Jacob to Pharaoh. After the old man blesses the ruler, Pharaoh asks how old he is. Jacob answers, “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.” (v. 9 NIV)
We would read that as a joke. Difficult yes, this is the trickster who stole his brother’s birthright, who was tricked in turn when seeking a bride, who fled from conflict repeatedly. It makes sense that family strife would follow him. But to say his years are few at 130? Laughable.
But his father and grandfather had 45 and 50 years on him when they died. When he says his years are not their equal, we get the sense that he wasn’t only speaking of longevity but quality.
Jacob’s life had been full of turmoil because of cunning and conniving, mostly his own. Unlike his fathers, marital happiness was elusive. Family peace had no chance because of his own favoritism. His sons followed his example, causing more trouble with worse wickedness. This created strife with the neighbors. The best outcome Jacob ever had was reconciling with his brother. More than once, he thought grief and loss would overwhelm him.
Now famine had driven him from the land promised to his fathers. The son he believed was dead was restored to him, but only after he feared he might lose his youngest again with Joseph’s brother, Benjamin. The shock of this major life rewrite probably had him reeling at 130.
Facing the world’s most powerful man and uncertain whether he could be trusted, I’m sure Jacob wasn’t feeling overly optimistic about his life. The pessimistic honesty makes sense.
Turn the page to the next chapter. Jacob’s family has enjoyed security amid famine for five years due to his long-lost son, Joseph. His entire clan has been saved and the tragedy he expected never came to pass.
On his deathbed, Jacob recounts to Joseph about the promise of God and the loss of his beloved wife before returning to a cause of joy, his beloved son and grandsons. “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.” (Genesis 48:11)
He blesses them and honors Joseph by blessing both of his sons with their own future tribes. This is no longer a man beaten down by the cares of life, because the end of the story showed him the beginning of God’s promises being fulfilled.
Perhaps you have been like Jacob before Pharaoh, crushed by troubling circumstances and pessimistic about your life. Maybe you’ve faced loss and grief that made you believe any more would kill you, like Jacob after losing his favorite son.
If you’re reading this, you’re still in the middle of the story. Be wary of deciding what your life means before God is through. A few brief years may change your circumstances or your perspective.
Better to find reasons to praise God for what He has brought you through so far than to despair.
Updates:
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This is a collaborative project with my daughter, so we’re using a pen name. She can’t wait to see it become real. I hope you’ll join the campaign and help spread the virtues that created (and can restore) our culture.
In addition to Imago Dad, Brandon Wilborn writes fantasy with spiritual themes. His current project is a series for young readers about a dog with an imagination that highlights the classic virtues of our Judeo-Christian heritage. But he’s already got a couple of fantasy books and stories available at BrandonWilborn.com
Good reminder that God is constantly at work. Even when we are ready to throw in the towel, we need to remind ourselves that God is still at work in us. Great essay!