And Jacob blessed Pharaoh.

Genesis 47:7-10, Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many years have you lived?” So Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my sojourning are one hundred and thirty; few and unpleasant have been the years of my life, nor have they attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning.” And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from his presence.

Jacob and his family are accepted into Egypt as a place of refuge according to God’s plan; even Pharaoh himself welcomes them. Obviously there are profound differences in theology between these two men, yet Jacob recognizes God’s providence and blesses Pharaoh not once, but twice. Do we really recognize God’s hand in everything enough to bless those with whom we disagree in theology?

We thank You that You are in control; we long for others to recognize You as we use Your power of blessing.