Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Genesis 47

Finding Christ in the Old Testament

Genesis 47:1–31

“So Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.”

Here, Joseph continues as a faithful type of Christ: the beloved son who, having been humbled and exalted, becomes the savior of his people. By his favor with Pharaoh, Joseph secures a home for his father Jacob and all his brothers in Goshen—the best of the land, a place of safety and provision during famine. In this, we see a clear picture of Christ, who after His suffering and exaltation to the right hand of the Father, prepares a place for His Church. Just as Pharaoh’s favor rests upon Joseph’s family for Joseph’s sake, so too the Father looks upon the Church with mercy for the sake of Christ. Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh and his request not to be buried in Egypt but in the land of promise shows his eyes were fixed beyond present comforts—he desired the inheritance God had promised, just as we long for the eternal homeland prepared for us in Christ. The famine in Egypt did not touch God's people because they were given life through the intercession and provision of the one they once rejected. So it is with Christ, who feeds His Church in a world of spiritual famine.

Devotion

Joseph’s provision for his family in Egypt shows us the faithfulness of God through one man who suffered to save many. Christ is our greater Joseph, who not only brings us into the Father’s favor but sustains us in the dry wilderness of this world until we reach the true Promised Land. We live as pilgrims, nourished by grace, trusting the One who prepares our eternal home.

New Testament Verse:

John 14:2–3 (ESV) “In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Collect

O Lord Christ, greater than Joseph, who was exalted to save his brothers, grant us to live as sojourners in this world, fed by Your mercy and resting in the favor of the Father which You have won for us. Guide us through every famine and trial, and preserve for us the hope of the heavenly country You have prepared, where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse:

Guide me, O Thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

LSB 918:1, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer”