Gen. 47
Gen. 47 Joseph was placed in Egypt for a reason but he was a careful planner.
V. 13-15. No food in land. 3-5 yrs. of cash for food. Joseph saw the
people, they were demoralized and empty and worn. Joseph cared for
them. He was faithful with the resources and knowledge God had given
him. Joseph was a calculated preserver.
He's found a way to prosper his boss and still provide for the people.
He preserved their lives.
His goal was to provide. He showed true mercy, it was costly for the
people but that was necessary to hold them responsible of setting the
correct priorities and taking responsibilities.
The view of "Riches are bad, poverty is good" isn't correct. It's how
we use riches and the motives of our heart in gaining and having it.
It's easy to get distracted by the shiny things of the world.
The distinction between necessity and idolatry is paper-thin. Where
God gives resources they must be used to further His Kingdom and
ministry. You're either building His kingdom or destroying yourself. We are called to live in the service of our King with all He's given.
He's promised to provide for us, to put bread on the table. Joseph was conscious of the need and a consistent provider.
V 23-25 Joseph provided for their immediate need and also had the
foresight to prepare a way for them to care for themselves and to
further even more Pharaoh's kingdom.
Joseph got what God intends for us to get. Whatever we do we need to
serve other people and work for the good of God.
The typical way of the land in those days that 50-60% of the produce
of the land went to the owner. Joseph was being merciful by allowing
them to keep 80% and only give Pharaoh 20%. This was such a favorable
law that 400 yrs. later Moses recorded that it was still in effect. Our goal, our directives, no matter where we are is for the service of
the King. This is not our home. These are not our belongings. They are
our Lord's.
Christians work for more than money, they work the glory of God. We
are to work diligently for an honest wage and be righteous with all
our resources.
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V. 13-15. No food in land. 3-5 yrs. of cash for food. Joseph saw the
people, they were demoralized and empty and worn. Joseph cared for
them. He was faithful with the resources and knowledge God had given
him. Joseph was a calculated preserver.
He's found a way to prosper his boss and still provide for the people.
He preserved their lives.
His goal was to provide. He showed true mercy, it was costly for the
people but that was necessary to hold them responsible of setting the
correct priorities and taking responsibilities.
The view of "Riches are bad, poverty is good" isn't correct. It's how
we use riches and the motives of our heart in gaining and having it.
It's easy to get distracted by the shiny things of the world.
The distinction between necessity and idolatry is paper-thin. Where
God gives resources they must be used to further His Kingdom and
ministry. You're either building His kingdom or destroying yourself. We are called to live in the service of our King with all He's given.
He's promised to provide for us, to put bread on the table. Joseph was conscious of the need and a consistent provider.
V 23-25 Joseph provided for their immediate need and also had the
foresight to prepare a way for them to care for themselves and to
further even more Pharaoh's kingdom.
Joseph got what God intends for us to get. Whatever we do we need to
serve other people and work for the good of God.
The typical way of the land in those days that 50-60% of the produce
of the land went to the owner. Joseph was being merciful by allowing
them to keep 80% and only give Pharaoh 20%. This was such a favorable
law that 400 yrs. later Moses recorded that it was still in effect. Our goal, our directives, no matter where we are is for the service of
the King. This is not our home. These are not our belongings. They are
our Lord's.
Christians work for more than money, they work the glory of God. We
are to work diligently for an honest wage and be righteous with all
our resources.
Sent from my iPad
