September 5, 2015
Scripture Reading: Genesis 41:46-57
46Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh’s presence and traveled throughout Egypt.47During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. 48Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities. In each city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. 49Joseph stored up huge quantities of grain, like the sand of the sea; it was so much that he stopped keeping records because it was beyond measure.
50Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.51Joseph named his firstborn Manassehand said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” 52The second son he named Ephraimand said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”
53The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, 54and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. 55When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.”
56When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt.57And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.
Questions for Reflection:
It’s one thing to have a vision for something. The greatest challenge is often taking the vision and making it a reality. Joseph used his leadership gift to prepare Egypt for the famine. Here’s a couple of quick observations for you as you look at this passage.
First, who was blessed as a result of Joseph’s faithful response to Pharaoh’s prayer? Often our view of blessings is limited to our direct sphere of influence (or even worse: just our account balance). Joseph’s family will be blessed in the end. However, the whole world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph. The whole world was blessed for generations to come. Who will be blessed today by your faithfulness?
Second, even in the midst of difficulty, God gave Joseph incredible remeinders of his presence. The best reminders for Joseph of God’s grace and mercy was his sons. In the midst of the trials, you may forget that God has pursued and loved you. Follow Joseph’s example and model faithfulness. Allow God to direct your steps. In what tangible ways has God reminded you of his presence and faithfulness?