GENESIS 47 In order for Jacob’s family to settle in Goshen, Pharaoh had to personally give his approval. No doubt Joseph’s position and wisdom influenced that particular Pharaoh to look favorably on his request.
Previous to this Pharaoh’s reign, Egypt had been in political and economic turmoil and chaos for a long time. Many of the essential projects needed to maintain normal life in Egypt, had been let go to ruin until this Pharaoh was able to reunite the opposing factions of Upper and Lower Egypt. As a result of his leadership, ability and generosity to his people, he was able to rebuild the country and develop trade with other tribal nations.
Joseph knew the kind of man the Pharaoh was, and asking for a very great favor, a place for his family in Goshen, that request was granted. When Joseph took five of his brothers with him to the interview with Pharaoh, his appeal was made carefully and thoughtfully. It for this reason he coached his brothers ahead of time as to what to say and how to say it. Israel’s family, needed space to grow and still be separated from the Egyptians. Shepherds were detestable and considered to be a low caste of people to the Egyptians. The kindness of Pharaoh to God’s chosen people was why God blessed him. To be liberal and considerate to the Jews is still important to God who has promised to bless those who bless Israel. He promised to bless Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants, and through them, the whole world.
There is a principle for us to consider as we think of the benefits a pagan king liberally gave to Jacob and his family. God blessed that king for his kindness and liberality to His chosen people. How much more should we born-again believers who already have experienced the riches of the blessings of God to us, show liberality and kindness to others. “The liberal soul shall be made fat!” Kindness shown to Israel brings blessings to the nation that gives, as well as Israel that receives. Kindness shown to God’s people everywhere brings fullness and joy to those who give of what they have “as unto the Lord.” “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”
Joseph’s faithfulness affected all his family for their good. During the time from the pit to the prison, he likely wondered what the future would bring. Instead of complaints, anger, self-pity and despair, he was faithful to God and obeyed Him by doing what he knew was right even though he was all alone. We may not always see the results of our faith nor the effects of faithfully doing the will of God, but God knows. He honors those who honor Him and that is all we need to know.
The Place where Israel and his family were allotted, was suitable to their needs and separated them from the rest of Egypt. In the lives of the Lord’s people even though we live in the world, we are not of the world. We are to be separate from the sinful practices of the world system and are to avoid mixing that which is holy with unholy things and people.
The Provision, v.1-6. Joseph knew what would have been of a concern to Pharaoh, and told his five brothers he took with him to see Pharaoh, what to say when asked about their occupation. The request they made was granted by this monarch who was under the direction and guidance of God even though he probably didn’t know that. Divine influence had given the Pharaoh a kindness and graciousness that is unusual in people in government leadership positions.
It is true that the influence of Joseph as the one who was guiding the nation through the famine, must have made Pharaoh liberal and large-hearted toward Joseph’s family. During the course of our lives when we experience both good times and bad, our response is noted by those around us who may know at least some of the things we are going through. Our attitude toward circumstances, problems and people is a fundamental part of our Christian testimony. There are some things we can explain in words, but a larger part of communication is non-verbal.
The Presentation, v.7-10. Jacob was obviously an old man in the eyes of Pharaoh and at the interview after the initial greeting, he wanted to know Jacob’s age. It must have been a wonder to him that he had lived to one hundred thirty years and was still actively involved in the life of his family. Jacob made no claim to personal success as the reason for long life. Abraham had lived one hundred seventy- five years and Isaac one hundred eighty years. Israel had seventeen more years in Goshen before he died.
Courtesy and honor given to whom honor is due, opens the way to a meaningful conversation. When meeting a person, the first few seconds, forms an impression that affects the whole interview. In fact, those in business who hire employees, often make the decision to hire a person or not, in the first minute of an interview. That likely holds true when we witness for the Lord regarding our faith and salvation. Facial expressions, body language and the tone of voice all leave “first impressions” that don’t go away.
When at all possible, use every opportunity to be a blessing to others and express appreciation and gratitude in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. As representatives of our Lord, our role, calls for more than a casual, “God bless you,” to saying something specific and relevant to the ones we meet. Jacob represented his God, the God who had made a covenant with his forefathers and with him. There is a dignity that is appropriate to one’s position in life as well as one’s age. It is offensive for an old person to try to dress, act or be like a teenager or young person.
For Protection, v.11-12. Joseph was able to do what Pharoah had told him without being charged with showing favor to his own family. Nepotism is offensive to people when we show favor to our own people at the expense or loss of others. We do have a right and responsibility to care for and protect our families and our “little ones.” Joseph had promised to take care of his brothers and their families in Egypt and he was able to carry out that promise during the five years of famine that were yet to come.
The simplicity of God’s protection was to simply do what was obvious. Circumstances meant they had to leave where they were and they were directed to go to the best place possible. There didn’t have to be maneuvering or manipulation like had been Jacob’s previous practice. They likely expected to be in Egypt for a relatively short time, but God was in control and that was all that mattered.
Everyday life is something we generally get quite used to. We have set times and habits we follow from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. We get comfortable with routines and don’t like them to get upset. However, a seemingly insignificant detail that is unexpected can change the whole course of our life in a very short time. A letter or phone call, a conversation or an event can make something we never expected, to be an obvious act of God that brings about a change in our life and future. Nothing happens to us as God’s people, unless it is directed by divine providence. When we accept something that happens to us as from the Lord and as His will for us, we have the assurance that His wisdom and love will be in control of everything.
The value of hard work whether manual or mental is not only a noble responsibility and privilege, but it also is God’s will for us. Work is an essential privilege that gives glory and purpose to our life. The capacity and opportunity to work, whether it is tending sheep and cattle, or people, is worthy of our best efforts to maintain ourselves and our family and bless others. There is honor in hard work and honest labor. People who don’t work are often unhappy, unfulfilled, unfaithful to their families and unfit citizens of society. Our daily calling gives personal meaning to our lives and is a fitting representation of our Master who we serve with love and devotion to duty.
The blessings of family life are not just in making us feel good and making us comfortable. Other people may look at us as “lower class” because of the menial labor we do or the lack of wealth our occupations brings. To many people, a rural life is looked down on, but they don’t know the benefit of parents and children working together while life-skills and ethics are being taught when sharing labor. The Egyptians looked down on shepherds, but looked to Joseph the son of a shepherd for their very survival. Joseph openly identified himself with his family who he loved in spite of all that happened to him.
Whatever differences may come in families, whether it be position, wealth, fame or how a person is known publicly, family life should be nurtured, promoted and never allowed to become impaired because of differences. Families are God’s original social structure, and when families are strong, nations are strong. When family structure breaks down in nations, the nation will not survive very long.
Ordinary life is significant to those who count in our sphere of influence. How I live, act, conduct myself and my attitude toward life and other people, will affect my family, business associates and those who know me. Our present life is like a pilgrimage. It is a journey with some stopping places where we are for a while and then we move on. Under the storms of stress, persecution and troubles, our attitudes of hope and cheer will create an expectation and hope in other believers.
WISDOM IS NEEDED IN CRISIS TIMES Joseph was a son and a brother, but he was also a public official upon whom the nation of Egypt depended. He did not let his domestic blessings interfere with his public responsibilities. God placed him in that position. The policies of Egypt and Israel were different then and they still are today. Joseph’s role as a statesman and an administrator gives us a little insight into how different nations function even though national identity is very different.
Joseph’s plan was to take the necessary steps before the famine came, and claim authority over property and the individuals. Money was used until it became useless and was all gone. Possessions and property were more than the collateral used to maintain life. Finally, personal labor was used as an exchange for food. The Egyptian population had no choice but to accept the agenda Joseph laid out so they could survive. By the time the famine was over, the government owned the land, the assets, and the people. The people used their skills and strength for the common good of all in order to get through the famine.
The wisdom of Joseph’s plan was not an injustice because the government of Egypt was not “by the people for the people.” It was a monarchy in which the population became tenants, not slaves. The taxes imposed were reasonable and maintainable. Instead of being independent landowners who depended on themselves for survival, they accepted Joseph’s plan and were thankful for it.
This plan resulted in the protection and survival of the country. Lives were saved, the influence of the country was likely extended, the benevolent Pharaoh did not abuse his authority, and yet was able to maintain the power of the nation as united entity. Those who perhaps may have wanted to take over the leadership of the country, would have found themselves depending on the present government for survival just like everyone else.
There are some things we learn from this narrative that are essential in maintaining life as it should be. Act with discretion, foresight and wisdom when challenged with the issues of life including life or death matters. We need to think through the pros and cons of decisions and match our assets to our obligations. Taking the time needed to make wise decisions is not necessarily a sign of weakness or uncertainty. Rather, it is needed to avoid the consequences of lack of sound judgment. Making snap decisions generally will mean the whole thing will have to be repeated after cleaning up the mess made by not going to the Lord for divine wisdom.
When a conclusion is reached, take action promptly rather than second-guess or vacillate over a sound, prayerful and thoughtful decision. A person who is living for God and is in fellowship with Him, knows that it is essential to trust God to produce the right results. Faith waits on the Lord for guidance and then acts with confidence in the Lord, His power and His goodness.
Act with thoroughness and do what you do as unto the Lord and not unto men. The purpose behind a decision and the necessity of acting promptly, leads one who is responsible for the welfare of others, to put a whole-hearted effort into the work. Troubles follow useless and hopeless work that is only half- done.
It is God who works in you to do as to the Lord, what you do for people. From Him comes the ability to do what is needed and the wisdom to do it right. If we lack wisdom, we can ask for it from God. When we need guidance, the Spirit and word of God are available to us at all times. When we need power to accomplish the work, our Lord gives that needed strength. He has “all power in heaven and earth.”
Our up-to-date relationship with God is what is needed to succeed in any work He gives us. Our mind, emotions and will ought to show that we are working under divine guidance even when there maybe much to discourage us. A Christian can be successful in business and also in their Christian life and testimony but we must not measure the proof of our Christianity by secular success. Christianity is not a barrier to being successful, and brains and righteousness are not incompatible. Goodness and successfulness do not need to cancel each other out.
When we use our intellectual abilities to their fullest and are willing to serve God, a person can glorify God, lead people, benefit a nation and at the same time be humble. True-in-heart to the Lord and humbled-mindedness, work well together. Grace, determination and willingness to work are features to having a real abundant life and fulfilling our role as a responsible person. A person of principle will be affective in every part of life by desiring to glorify God and do what we do “as unto the Lord.”
We learn the point and principles of living when the practice of doing it for the Lord is true. Other people who know us and whom we influence, will likely be blessed by the example they can see. We will learn for ourselves the reason for which we are alive, as well as the meaning of life itself in view of all that is past and the unfolding of the future. We are not here in the world just to be a believer who has put faith in Christ and knows we are saved. We are here to live out that faith. What we do when we are young is just as important as to how we die when we are old. What we live for, who we live for, is so important, that people who know us will have an indelible impression on their minds that is going to be awakened every time they hear our name mentioned in the future.