How can we trust God's promises like Jacob's family did in Genesis 46:17? Setting the scene “ ‘The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah; and the sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.’ ” (Genesis 46:17) God’s promise and Jacob’s obedience • Decades earlier, God had pledged to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their offspring would become a great nation (Genesis 28:13-15; 35:11). • At Beersheba, on the eve of the move to Egypt, God reaffirmed: “ ‘I am God, the God of your father… I will make you into a great nation there.’ ” (Genesis 46:3-4) • Jacob trusted this word, gathered every descendant—including Asher’s household—and set out. Why the genealogy matters • Historical precision: naming each person underscores that God’s promise unfolds in real time with real people. • Preservation: the listing shows that not one member was lost; the covenant line remained intact. • Multiplication: by Exodus 1:7 the family has become “exceedingly numerous,” proving Genesis 46:3 true. Lessons from Asher’s line 1. God keeps track of individuals; therefore His promise reaches each believer personally. 2. The seemingly ordinary (a family register) is evidence of extraordinary faithfulness. 3. Trust often requires movement—Jacob’s clan left familiarity for Egypt solely on God’s word. How we can trust God’s promises today • Remember His record—“Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made… failed; all came to pass.” (Joshua 21:45) • Focus on His character—“Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) • Look to Christ—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) Anchors for our faith in Scripture • God’s unchanging nature: Malachi 3:6 • His covenant remembrance: Psalm 105:8 • Example of Abraham: Romans 4:20-21 • Assurance of eternal life: 1 John 2:25 Practical steps for daily trust • Read and rehearse specific promises—write them where you’ll see them. • Recall past deliverances—keep a journal of answered prayers. • Obey promptly when Scripture directs, even when circumstances seem uncertain. • Surround yourself with believers who speak God’s Word into your life. Encouraging reminders • The God who counted Asher’s grandchildren counts every hair on your head (Luke 12:7). • What He promised, He performed for Jacob’s household; what He promises you, He will surely accomplish. |
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