Loving the Giver More Than the Gift

Genesis 46:5-7

⁵Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. ⁶They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, ⁷his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.

(ESV)

Thought:
Take note of what Pharaoh told Joseph to tell his brothers in the previous chapter

Genesis 45:20

¹¹Have no concern for your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.

(ESV)

But yet Jacob chooses to bring all his belongings with him. Why go through all the extra effort? They will have all they need and more in Egypt. Partly it may be wisdom in not putting too heavy a load upon the resources of Pharaoh especially during a time of famine. A desire to pull one’s own weight.

This is not a declaration of independence and self-sufficiency but rather a desire to not leave behind his heritage in the Lord. Pharaoh would never be his god, only Yahweh could be. Just think how often people only look to God for the blessing that he brings. The blessing comes along and God is soon forgotten.

Jacob will not allow it to be so, he refuses to forget who brought about this great salvation. So too we must watch we do not grow too fond of the gifts to the detriment of the giver. All things in this world, every gracious gift ought to be pointing us back to the loving God who provides all these things for us.

When we begin to distance the gift from the one who made it, we fall into a trap of the devil. Soon we shall find ourselves going the way of all the world.

Romans 1:25

¹¹because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

(ESV)

Enjoy the gifts God gives you, but do not make them everything. Only one person deserves such praise, to be everything in your life, and that is your creator and your saviour. Jesus Christ.

Reflection:
As I go about my day, I need to remember that every good thing in my life ultimately comes from God. It is easy to become attached to the gifts He gives and slowly give them more attention than the One who provided them. Today I need to apply this by deliberately thanking God for the blessings I enjoy and letting those blessings point my heart back to Him. Whether it is family, provision, health, work, or simple daily comforts, none of them are ends in themselves. They are reminders of the goodness of the God who gives them.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the many gifts You have graciously given me. Guard my heart from loving Your blessings more than I love You. Help me enjoy the good things You provide while always remembering that they come from Your hand. May every gift lead me to greater worship, gratitude, and affection for You. Amen.