God Meant It for Good!
Jacob's life was marked by suffering, but God's faithfulness and deliverance brought him out and made his life a success.
David Wilkerson shares the profound story of Jacob and Joseph, emphasizing how Jacob, despite his many sorrows and struggles, ultimately witnessed God's faithfulness and provision. Jacob reflects on his life, acknowledging the hardships he faced but recognizing that God had a greater plan, leading to the safety and prosperity of his family in Egypt. He rejoices in the fulfillment of God's promises, seeing his lineage grow and thrive, and encourages believers that God will remain faithful to His word in their lives as well.
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In Pharaoh's court stood Jacob -- an old man of 130 years of age -- and Joseph, his lost son, rushed to embrace him. As it turned out, Joseph was second in command over all of Egypt. Everywhere Jacob went with his son -- in the palace, through the streets in his chariot -- people bowed to Joseph in respect and awe (see Genesis 46 and 47).
When Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was, he answered, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been" (Genesis 47:9). The Hebrew reads, "Few and sorrowful have my days been." In short: "I've seen a lot of suffering."
Yet, was it worth it? Yes, absolutely! Jacob and his family had been delivered from the famine. All seventy members of his clan were now safe from harm, planted in the richest farmland in Egypt. Jacob's son was on the throne and they had all the food they could eat.
Jacob -- a man with a contrite heart -- could look back and say, "When my brother Esau threatened me, it seemed my life was over but God brought me out. My Lord was there the whole time. When Laban tried to destroy me, God blessed and delivered me. Furthermore, the Lord delivered my wife, Rachel, and my family from the perils of idolatry.
"I was victorious over all my enemies. None of them ever rose up to challenge me. I lived to see my seed multiply and prosper -- the beginnings of a great nation. I lived to walk in the midst of my grandchildren, even my great-great-grandchildren. And now my sons will be the patriarchs of Israel, leaders over their own tribes. Not a word God told me in the beginning has ever failed. My Lord has kept His every word to me."
And, beloved, so will He be with us today!
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Jacob's reflection on his life
- Jacob's testimony of God's faithfulness
- Conclusion
- God's faithfulness to Jacob
- God's promise to be with us today
- God's deliverance from idolatry
Key Quotes
“Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been” — David Wilkerson
“Not a word God told me in the beginning has ever failed” — David Wilkerson
“My Lord has kept His every word to me” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can trust that God will be faithful to us, just as He was to Jacob.
- We can look back on our lives with gratitude and faithfulness to God, just as Jacob did.
- We can learn to have a contrite heart and seek God's deliverance from our enemies and difficult situations.