Jacob had a long and tumultuous life. As his death approached, Jacob blessed each of his sons. He was calling to mind their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their accomplishments and sins. Jacob was no fool - he knew that some of his sons left a lot to be desired. As he died, a page in Israel's history was closed, and their sojourn in Egypt was about to begin.

It would do well for us to periodically take stock of our own lives and do this fearlessly and honestly. We will not be perfect, nor will anyone else, but God will make us all the more grateful for His blessings and mercies.

Fear is powerful - dictators use it to oppress people, and societies manipulate and control people. We might not be killed for speaking out, but fear of ridicule and rejection can silence us. Jesus exhorted his followers not to be afraid but to speak openly and from the heart.

God is aware of our suffering, even the death of a couple of sparrows, and we are worth much more. And that is important: what we say and do is important in God's eyes, and if that is the case, we have nothing to fear, even death itself. We matter to God, regardless of what the world does to us.