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Fellowship at Cross Creek
Gen. 46.1ff
Living in Goshen!
5.25.14
Intro… At first glance, this passage might seem too much of a bite, but it is actually three sections, of which the middle and largest one, vv. 8-27, a genealogical record, I would not spend much time on. Not that it is not important, but it can be easily skimmed in order to return to the main and concluding narrative.
Bottom line: this chapter gets Jacob’s family to Egypt, as well as, the reuniting of father and son. It begins with an act of worship which is rewarded with a Spiritual confirmation of what may seem like a slam dunk decision, but indeed has its longer term risks—can God grow my family up in Goshen until he is ready to take it back to the Promised Land?
Thus, this story is about the in-between. We want NOW! We want heaven now! Or perhaps not the biblical abstract heaven that we don’t fully understand, but we certainly want the benefits of heaven now. While we might not admit it, and while still seeking to indulge in a little man-made fun or sin, so to speak, we want no suffering or the consequences of our risky choices, do we? I mean really. We want fun, but we want safety. Fun without risks. Pleasure without pain. We want heaven, or at least a portion of heaven…perhaps an even higher hybrid version of what we have on earth here now? It’s as if we really don’t fully trust God’s definition of perfection or righteousness or holiness or goodness. As if too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing. Come on, God, everyone has to have a little fun. You are a little too uptight, Old Man. Loosen up, live a little.
We are so clueless. So how does Man control or manage a little evil. I mean, isn’t that what got us where we are now? One bite of one fruit because it looks good, had to taste good and would perhaps make me more like God—aware of everything that is good and that is not so good…or evil! Oops! The cat is out of the bag, and since the beginning of Man, we don’t seem to be able to put that elusive sinful cat back into the bag. It just won’t go.
So how do we live on the edge of heaven and hell or these earthly hybrids—Rome and the church? The body of Christ and city of man or sin? Not in Egypt proper, but somewhat separate on the edge of Egypt? Under her protection, in the shade of her wealth, might, history, glory, learning, industry, arts and culture, but still just on the fringes…in lush pastures and meadows…awaiting all these seemingly long-distant promises…of a promised land west of the Jordan for the children of Israel, or heaven, in the presence of God and without the fear of that darned evil cat ever jumping out of the bag again—for God’s Spiritual children?
I mean isn’t that what this life, your existence, your church, your reading this study, your being engaged in a Bible study on this passage, the rearing of your family, your making a living, as well as coexisting within this world is all about–learning to live in Goshen until we or our children are called to go back?
We are in Goshen. We await our Promised Land—heaven. This is all temporary. It’s not our final destination, but it is where we are supposed to be for now. The child of God, as well as, the Church’s, full and final Spiritual inheritance or destiny as God’s redeemed children (1 Peter 1) exists with God in heaven forever. I mean, isn’t that what the Bible teaches and what we profess?
And while living in Goshen, for the most part, we are safe, Goshen is still NOT heaven. It is a part of Egypt. It is NOT our perfect destiny. It is NOT our Promised Land, and thus it is NOT perfect. It has problems. This Goshen we live in incredibly has something called the internet…an amazing technological advance, on the scale of the Pyramids perhaps, and yet the internet is awash in sin and abuse. Goshen is NOT heaven, thank God!
I suppose for the most part, we still herd sheep—within the church–but some seasons, as will later become the case for the children of Israel, are more difficult and harsher than others–as is the case for many Christians even today in different parts of the world…and at different times…or seasons of persecution or rejection…as occurred for the most part during the first three hundred years of the church’s existence. It’s Goshen!
So here is my question: how do we exist in Goshen? As strange as this might sound at first hearing, pretty much the same as in any place, I suppose, including the Promise Land…including in Heaven with God. We ought to seek to be faithful in his presence, including how we treat and deal with others. Therefore, thank God for Goshen… and his church… where we can come and share our struggles and be Spiritually-supported while living in and amongst and next to the mighty and seemingly vastly and culturally-superior Egypt. In fact, Christ prayed to his Father…
John 17:13 But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they (his disciples) may have My joy made FULL in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
So now, set apart in his truth, can we as his sheep and under-shepherds learn what it means to live in a Christ-like, Spirit-inspired transitory land known as Goshen…or at least until he comes for us once again to take us back to our Spiritual forefathers’ Promised Land… a land that overwhelmingly dwarfs Egypt’s mighty wealth and glory because, untainted by evil’s threat, the children of God dwell fully in the safety, provision and pleasure of God?
Recently, we began a new unit or section or person of study…the life of Joseph. Essentially, the story of Joseph, is for the most part, our story. Chosen by God for a special purpose, Joseph must first endure much suffering and injustice before arriving at his God-ordained purpose and calling, and what a purpose it will be.
As we read, I want you to continue pondering, your special identity in Christ, and that just because you may be going through difficult days, your suffering…your waiting is NOT in vain. As God’s child…as God’s children, just as with Joseph and his brothers, you…we…all have a purpose in Christ (Romans 8; Eph. 1; 1 Peter 1).
Your servant,
jc