Bibledoorajar: What's Goshen like?

So, all of Joseph's family came to Egypt. But with conditions. By Joseph's decree and with the Pharoah's blessing they were to live in but one part of the land: Goshen.  Joseph placed his family in a separate part of Egypt so that all would realize that their existence was distinctive from others living in Egypt. And there Joseph would meet his family's needs and they would prosper.

Growing up, I can remember being exposed to church groups whose name started with Goshen. I did not realize then that the goals of those church leaders included their members being distinctive from the world around them.  But later I understood their desire;  the flock would understand that they were set apart, saved, and would be helped and loved to the end in a Goshen like community.

Goshen is in the world but not of it. Sometimes it is difficult to remember where home is. But if we ease away from it and choose to live somewhere else, we usually find the taste of living elsewhere bitter indeed.

The Goshen of Egypt prepares us for the Prodigal Son story. Best to get on home now.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
                      J. Wilbur Chapman