How can we trust God's promises like Jacob did in Genesis 46:23? The Hidden Gem in a List • Genesis 46:23 simply says, “The sons of Dan: Hushim.” • At first glance it looks like a footnote—just another name in a census. • Yet every single descendant recorded in Genesis 46 is living proof that God’s word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is already unfolding (Genesis 28:13-15; 35:11-12). • If God is faithful in the “small print,” we can be certain He is faithful in the headline promises that shape our lives. Jacob’s Journey of Trust • Earlier in the chapter God had spoken to Jacob in visions: “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.” (Genesis 46:3-4) • Jacob acted on that promise, uprooting his entire family in obedience. • The long genealogy that follows, including Hushim, verifies that God is already multiplying Jacob’s line—evidence that the promise is in motion. Why These Details Strengthen Our Faith • Tangible Fulfillment: Every name = a fulfilled word. If God kept count of Jacob’s descendants, He will keep count of every detail in His promises to us (Luke 12:7). • Historical Reliability: Scripture roots promises in real history, not myth. The lists ground God’s faithfulness in time and space. • Continuity of Covenant: Hushim links Abraham to the nation that will stand at Sinai; God’s plan never stalls. How We Can Trust God’s Promises Today • Remember His Track Record – Joshua 23:14: “Not one word of all the good promises the LORD your God has given you has failed.” – Hebrews 10:23: “He who promised is faithful.” • Read the “Small Print” – Notice the seemingly minor verses; they showcase meticulous faithfulness. • Rely on the Ultimate Yes – 2 Corinthians 1:20: “All the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” – Jesus is the guarantee that every promise God makes will be honored. • Respond in Obedience – Jacob moved before he saw the full outcome; faith acts on God’s word, not on visible proof (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Rest in God’s Presence – “I will go down to Egypt with you” (Genesis 46:4) tells us that the Promise-Giver travels with His people. Wherever obedience leads, His presence sustains. Living It Out • Keep a running list of promises you find in Scripture and note every instance of fulfillment you witness in your life. • When facing a crossroads, rehearse God’s past faithfulness—Hushim-sized details included—before making decisions. • Speak God’s promises aloud; let your ears hear what your heart must remember. Scriptures to Hold Close Genesis 46:3-4; 28:13-15 |
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