When Jacob’s sons arrive back in Canaan, his heart is understandably numb and unbelieving to hear that Joseph is still alive. Yet the repentant testimony of his sons revives his spirit, and Jacob rejoices that he will go to Egypt to see Joseph before he dies. God Himself comes to Jacob to encourage him in this course of action. God renews His promise to make Jacob into a great nation, to be with Jacob as he travels to Egypt, and to bring Jacob back. In that confidence, Jacob takes his family to Egypt. The growing family is relatively small at this point, but God will be faithful to multiply His people even in a foreign land and to bring them back to the Promised Land.

Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 45:25-46:27.

To learn more about St. John's in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org