Week 37, Day 3: Joseph’s service is blessed
Today’s Reading: Genesis 47:1-31
Some thoughts from the reading…
In chapter 47 we find it recorded what is the outcome of the famine. God had revealed to Pharaoh what would come about. By God’s provision Joseph is raised to a position of prominence and makes provision to preserve life. But God also blesses Pharaoh greatly in the process because of Joseph. As the famine continued in Egypt and the land of Canaan. Joseph was able to gather all the money in these lands through the sale of the grain stored up during the 7 years of plenty. And in the end Pharaoh owns all the land of Egypt and the people are his slaves now. I have wondered what things were like before this time. Is our concepts of Egypt being ruled by Pharaoh and him having complete dominion over all of Egypt a post Joseph concept? Was the land governed somewhat differently before this famine? In any case, Pharaoh is now given more power and wealth because of Joseph.
Something else that was interesting to me was how willing Pharaoh was to hand over everything to Joseph. Joseph was set up to run things and be second only to Pharaoh. In this chapter Pharaoh is so confident in Joseph that he hands over all of his livestock to his care. Why I think all of this is so interesting is because I always have this concept of kings or leaders having to be worried that they might be betrayed by their servants. If one servant had too much power they my try to overthrow their master. Pharaoh’s complete trust in Joseph is a good testimony to how Joseph conducted himself. He did not covet the #1 position or try to work against his master. Rather he was a faithful and trustworthy servant. One that encouraged further trust and reliance. Joseph is such a great example to us of a man with integrity and great faith.
Question: What qualities makes someone a good servant or worker?
Popularity: unranked [?]