Genesis 47:7-12 records an intriguing moment in the life of the aged, haggard patriarch Jacob, father of the 12 tribes of Israel, when he, seeking refuge in Egypt from a prolonged multi-regional famine, is brought by his son Joseph before Pharaoh.
Thus, when Jacob is presented he is far from his best. His appearance reveals a hard life of trials and sorrow. In fact, Jacob openly calls his 130 years "few and hard" in comparison to his forefathers (Genesis 47:9). In his view, he fell short of his forefathers, and confesses he has little to show for himself but deep wrinkles and a serious limp.
Yet, Jacob speaks of the Lord God as his lifelong Shepherd and Redeemer (Genesis 48:15-16)! Through all his trials he never broke faith. And his perseverance eventually paid off (Genesis 48:11).
This makes Jacob an Old Testament example of what the Apostle Paul told the New Testament church in Acts 14:21-22, that believers must endure tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. Hardship is an unavoidable challenge of the journey.
It seems that not long after one trying season passes, as we begin to relax and let our guard down, another begins. On and on the cycle goes until life ends. This is what we who hold to the gospel of Jesus have to walk through.
My wife had to endure a seven year legal process for a motor vehicle accident. We did not fully realize what she had gone through until a seemingly unending case finally settled in her favour. However, what you think would be a moment of ecstatic celebration, left her feeling like she had been imprisoned and mistreated the entire time. Years of imposed restraint, of not being believed, of trying to stand up for herself, of labouring to bring the truth to light, and the prospect of lifelong physical limitations, took its toll. Like Job at the end of his trial, she was in need of much comfort and healing (Job 42:11).
You may be surprised to hear that, according to the Bible, hardship is par for the course. It is a hard life. Yet, as Jacob remained faithful to the Lord, welcoming God’s promises from afar, not seeing them in his lifetime (Hebrews 11:13), so my wife never diminished in faith but, in spite of the “trial,” she grew in faith.
We know God does not go back on his word, that Jesus’ saving work is complete (John 19:30), and that he will return to make all things new. Until then, our years will be few and hard as we momentarily seem the worse for the wear (Romans 8:18, 22-23, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
Robin Martens is the pastor of Kinnaird Park Community Church.
