GENESIS 47 JOSEPH NOURISHED HIS FATHER As I followed the tribe of Israel into Egypt from my place in the future, it was very easy now to see the guiding hand of God in arranging for Israel and his family to live separated lives even in Egypt. As Jacob stood before Pharaoh there was respect shown by both men - the old man to the ruler and the ruler to the old man. Because Jacob was a man of faith, he was able to go further than Pharaoh. He could bless him, and in that way established his authority even as a separated person. When one is challenged as to who they are and what they believe, it is always appropriate to be open and plain so there is no question in anyone's mind as to where you stand. There may be some half-hearted attempts to get you to change, and occasionally some mocking or snide comments about you not fitting in, but that is to be expected when one lives a separated life. Living by faith is an unknown practice to those in the world who think they are in full control of things. When we bless people in the name of the Lord, and love is able to be seen as evidence of the work of God in and through us, people usually have nothing more to say. They know where you stand.
The provision Joseph arranged for his father and all the tribe of Israel in times of famine was exactly what they needed and what God had intended. The plans God made came to pass and they all could see the great blessing of Joseph being brought into that position in Egypt. God has left us in this world to testify to Him and His grace and mercy. We are not in the position to see our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh at this present time but the nourishment He provides for us is evident on every hand. People sometimes marvel at the way God continually supplies our needs. They wonder at how we can live as we do. But to explain what it means to live by faith is almost like speaking to a wall. It doesn't fit the preconceived notions of a successful life. People in the world often spend and don't realize what they are doing. A cup of coffee here. An expensive meal there. And hour of pleasure and fun that has to be paid for, and nothing to show for it. All of these things are part of the costly way the world nourishes its own. When our nourishment comes from the Lord Himself, it is first spiritual nourishment and then physical, and for both we give God thanks and glory.
The famine in the land brought the people of Egypt to the place where they owned nothing - not even themselves. The 20 percent tax then applied to everyone and it was understood by all concerned, that for the provisions they expected from their government, from then on, they would be paying that cost. Taxation was not an unfair thing. For the favors they got, they had to pay for in one way or another. It was of great interest to me that Joseph moved people from being scattered all over the land to dwell in cities. I see that same thing happening today. Where one time people lived independently, and could claim what they had as their own. Now the population has moved from being rural to being city-dwellers. In that way governments of various kinds control the lives of people. But even though Israel was in Egypt, they dwelled alone and were able to prosper, grow and multiply. As the time of famine passed, the tribe of Israel was blessed even though they were in a foreign land. There has always been a uniqueness about the people of God.
When God is given His portion and what is due Him of what He has blessed us with, He makes full provision for us. When we recognize that every good and perfect gift is from above, from our God who preserves and protects us, then we understand the measure of our obligation to Him. We could not survive one day without Him. We could not live or move without Him. In times of famine, He nourishes us - whether it be a famine of bread or a famine of hearing the Word of the Lord. The people of God who live before Him in righteousness and in the fear of God, are those God can bless. The riches of His grace; the fullness of His provision; the blessings of His love are all showered upon those He has left in this world to bear testimony to Him. Our lives have meaning and there is a purpose to every daily event when God has His way with us and through us. What a wonder it is to have our "Joseph" (Jesus) who nourishes us!
Unusual as it may seem to be living in a foreign land; Even here it is God who provides every need from His own hand. From His fullness have we received and for needed grace, there is grace. The Lord who supplies our need from His storehouse, meets them in every place.
The work of God that has called us to do what we do and where - Can be blessed by God Himself, His presence is felt even there. The nourishment of soul and body comes from His supply.
He gives us more that we deserve from what we cannot buy.
When the life we live is hid with Christ in God, then we really know It is God alone who has brought us here, we trust Him to clearly show What His mind and will is for us when we seem so unproductive. And the worldly system around appeals with invitations so seductive.
Sometimes the only thing we can do is wait for God to reveal His will. And it is one of His ways to teach us to know Him; trust and just be still. In His own time and way, He arranges to meet our every need. We do not have to yield to the world's way of covetousness and greed.
The God who nourished His own people in famine times in the past - Is the same God who works His will today in ways that are bound to last. If I get jumpy and try to do what I think should be done and I run ahead - Then I will miss out on that divine nourishment by which people of faith are fed.
By the grace of God, I will wait His time, and fill mine by learning of Him. I can take His yoke upon me, that I might learn just how and when He intends for me in His name to reach out to nourish others. For Christian love and good works to all identifies us as Christian brothers.
"Lord God who supplies the need of nations: I bow in humility before Thee knowing that my questioning is usually self- centered. Please teach me to wait and watch and work under the control of divine guidance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."