While reading Genesis 47, the last statement of the chapter caught my attention: “Israel [Jacob] worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff” (Genesis 47.31 NIV). I find the NIV’s translation interesting
and significant. In its context, Israel’s action offers a powerful picture of one who is unrelenting in his worship of the one true God, even when physically weak and in a less than ideal situation.
In verses 28-29, we are informed that Israel was well advanced in years (147) and that “the time drew near for Israel to die.” Yet he persisted in his worship. Many of us could so easily decide that we are “too old” to maintain an active stance in our worship and service to the Lord.
Israel’s example becomes even more compelling when we realize that, from a purely human perspective, he was in a “good place.” Canaan and Egypt were in the midst of a severe famine. Israel and his family had the good fortune of being in the place where there was an abundance of resources. Thanks to his son Joseph, who had become the second highest ranking official in Egypt. But Israel never settled for something less than the promise of God (see, for example, Genesis 15.18-21). He still held on to the promise and insisted that when he died he will be buried in the land that God had promised to his people (Genesis 478.29-30). Egypt cannot be an alternative to Canaan. God’s promise cannot be compromised.
Bible interpreter Walter Brueggemann writes: “He wants to embody his ultimate commitment to the land of promise even in his death … He knows he is a child of the promise. And he will not permit imperial attractions in Goshen to turn his head from the promise. He will not be seduced into Egypt. He will be in Egypt, but not of Egypt (cf. John 17.16-17).”
Where does our “ultimate commitment” lie? It is not the intensity of our claims of allegiance that will settle the issue, but the consistency of our actions. Israel’s action gives substance to the reality of his faith, that he has not and will not abandon the God of the promise. Till the end of his days on earth, there is no other worthy of his devotion but the God of his ancestors. He will continue to worship and to serve this God.
I wonder how many of us, when we come to that stage in life, would still make the effort to stay faithful and consistent in worshiping the Lord. An old man, leaning on his staff, still worshiping God. Such unrelenting worship!
—Keith Y. Jainga