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“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.’” (Genesis 47:5-6)

We see within this passage not only the rich settlement of Joseph’s father and at least 69 other members of his family in Egypt but the lofty commission to care for Pharaoh’s livestock. We read in verses 6 and 11 about the land and property given to Josheph’s family by Pharaoh. Goshen, as some suggest, was well watered, fertile and yet away from the centers of Egypt’s activity. And we read in Genesis 47:6 and 11 that this rich settlement was “in the best part of the land”. The lofty commission of Joseph’s family was (in verse 6) to care for the livestock of Pharaoh. And this was an important role, especially in a time of scarcity and entering smoothly into the community without alienating and taking jobs from their host nation. Noticeably, Joseph’s family were ready to serve. This story has something to say (I believe) about our own rich settlement and lofty commission, with repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. The prospect of rich settlement in God’s kingdom and adoption into His family (Colossians 1:13-14 and Hebrews 9:15). The invitation to serve Jesus with various lofty commissions given in the Gospels (Mark 12:30-31, Luke 9:23 and Matthew 28:19-20). But are we ready to serve? Whether it is during this liminal space or after it? And how?