Genesis 45:20
Now you are ordered, “Do this: take wagons from the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father and come. And do not concern yourselves with your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.”
This was to be Israel’s entrance into Egypt. The red carpet was rolled out. They got the best of the land. While the world was starving, they had plenty. Their young were cared for. The king of Egypt was their advocate.
This is quite different from what the exodus will look like in 400 years. They will have been slaves for a while. They will live by forced labor, the building of cities, monuments, pyramids, etc. The Pharoah would be cruel to them.
The harsh future wasn’t in Israel’s mind. They were being blessed. God assured him. They were to go to Egypt and they were to become a multitude. That was the message to him by a dream. God wanted the nation to grow. He also wanted to give them a heritage of provision and eventually deliverance. It may have been difficult to remove them from Canaan, their promised land. But the famine and seeing Joseph and God’s assurance were enough.
God will direct us in life through circumstances. If we are sedantary, it may take a famine to move us. The move may feel traumatic, but He will care for us. We can’t cling to things, nor can we expect our way to always be smooth. It took a lot to get them into Egypt and it will take a lot to get them out of Egypt. These directives came from God. He will guide us, as well. The way may be rough, but we are to trust. It’s been said that, “He who expects to be disappointed will never be disappointed.” God wants us to be filled with joy. He will always be with us and so will His joy. That quote will let His joy abide. Even in tough times, He fills us. Eccl 11:1 says to “cast your bread upon the water and you will find it after many days.” We can’t cling to things. Keep a light touch. God’s joy will abide.