Joseph's father Jacob is nearing the end of his life, and has yet to see his family become a great multitude settled in the promised land: his family is seventy, forced by famine to take refuge in Egypt. Will his hope in God's promises die with him in Egypt? As Jacob reflects on his life, he shows us how we can keep our hope when the world tempts us to despair.

Bible readings: Genesis 48; Hebrews 11.1–3, 8, 20–21.