Read Through the Bible in 2 years: Genesis 47-50

Have you ever found yourself running in this rat’s race of life, pursuing some pie in the sky goal, but unable to reach it no matter how hard you try? Or maybe you have succeeded in reaching the goals you’ve set for yourself – you’ve gotten accepted into that college, graduated as valedictorian, married the guy, had the babies, won the praises of man – and yet you still find your life empty?

Like the song “Never Enough” from the 2017 blockbuster hit, “The Greatest Showman,” no matter what the world has to offer you, it’s never enough.

All the shine of a thousand spotlights
All the stars we steal from the night sky
Will never be enough
Never be enough

Towers of gold are still too little
These hands could hold the world but it’ll
Never be enough
Never be enough

Today, when I finished reading the book of Genesis, it struck me, “Lord, whatever this world has to offer, it’s never enough.”

• Eve thought, “If only I could eat the fruit of that tree…”
• Lot’s wife thought, “If only I could go back home…”
• Sarah thought, “If only I could have a son…”
• Rebekah thought, “If only my son Jacob would receive his father’s blessing…”
• Leah thought, “If only Jacob loved me…”
• Rachel thought, “If only I had a son…”

In the final verse of Genesis 45, Jacob receives word that his favorite son, Joseph, whom he thought had been killed by wild animals is still alive. Jacob says,

It is enough;
Joseph my son is still alive.
I will go and see him before I die.

Genesis 45:28

And then when Jacob was finally reunited with his dearly loved son, he says “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.” (Genesis 56:30) And God graciously gives Jacob another 17 years of life after seeing his son – time enough to know not only Joseph but also Joseph’s two sons who were born during Joseph’s years in Egypt.

At the end of his life, Jacob asks Joseph to bring near his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”

And suddenly my mind started thinking, “Lord, when will it be enough for me? When I have that next thing, that next relationship, that next opportunity? When I finally quit doing that thing that I hate? When my husband finally does the next thing? When my child does that most important thing? When will it be enough?”

And then I was reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

We learn of God’s grace as we are humbled. Surely these afflictions are for our good. It is good to recognize that nothing on earth will ever be enough. Treasures on earth – whether monetary or relational – will never satisfy. Our lives are better because of the thorns that the Lord has in His mercy given us.

Our faith grows as it is stretched.

Let’s pray together.

Heavenly Father,

You alone are worthy. You are enough. You satisfy. In Your presence there is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Your face, Lord, is what I seek.

In this world, You have promised that I will have troubles, but Lord You have also promised that I can take heart before You have overcome the world.

If I have every trapping of this world – all the knowledge and wisdom, all the fame and power and praise of man, all the riches, all the relationships – it will never be enough. Let me not seek after these worldly things that can never satisfy.

Let me boast only in You – that I know You, that You are the Lord, my Lord, who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. This is what You delight in, so make these my delight, too.

You are a good shepherd and You are my shepherd. I have everything I need. You are enough.

Your grace is enough for me. You are more than enough for me.

In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Psalm 16:11; Psalm 27:8; John 16:33; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Psalm 23