Genesis 47
April 16, 2010 by: InHisTime
Bible Passage: Genesis 47
Recently for the past few months, I have been having a difficult time at work and thank God, there have been a handful of brothers and sisters advising and encouraging me.
To quote the words of a brother, regardless of the circumstances, as Christians we always have to “live(or in my case, leave) with integrity”.
We have been reading the life of Joseph so far, and I agree that he is my hero too.
Besides his great faith in God, he was also a man of integrity.
From Potiphar entrusting him with his affairs, to being called before Pharoah to interprete his dream, Joseph was a model of consistency and integrity.
In today’s chapter, we read about how he managed the food supply for the whole of Eygpt during the seven years of famine. This was very tough indeed.
During this period of famine, Joseph was granted enormous power. With their reserves gone, the people of Eygpt had to turn to Joseph in order to survive.
In spite of his authority, he did not abuse his power and seize the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
He could have jacked up prices, he could have given food supply to people who are ‘useful’ to him, or he could focus only on his family’s welfare.
We often see in TV dramas, or even from people we know, that the more successful a person is, the tougher it can be to live a life of integrity.
With greater acheivements and affluence, the temptation to sin is higher. Hearts can harden and no longer have room for the Lord.
Joseph on the other hand did not fall into the trap of sin and abuse his authority to his advantage. His values were anchored deep to his faith.
He continued to serve the Lord and the people wholeheartedly. He acted with mercy and fairness and hence won the respect of people.(Gen 47:25)
We christians believe that all people matter to God, but when it comes to people whom we dislike, do we still live out this value?
Because of ‘injustice’ and unappreciation i face at work, i adopted the ‘heck-care’ attitude, putting in only minimal effort, coming to work late and leaving on time.
But reading today’s chapter made me realise that I am no different from the non believers around me, or infact, I behaved worse.
I was not a good example to my non-believing family members or colleagues whom i rant and complain to.
The same brother always quoted this verse to encourage me:
Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men
Despite the circumstances, what I think does not matter; What God thinks does.
Integrity means doing the right thing, knowing that nobody is going to know if you did it or not.(Quote from Oprah Winfrey)
To cultivate integrity in our lives, we have to immerse ourselves in Godly thinking.(Romans 12:2)
It is difficult hence constant exposure to the bible and prayers draw us closer to Jesus and emulate Him.
He guides us such that tough situations will eventually work out. Even if things turn out unfavourable we are able to face God with a clear conscience.
When we live with integrity we live our lives for God and do things that glorify and please Him. Only then could we be a living testimony to the non-believing people around us.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Previously i think that Joseph could have let his father and family continued to stay in the land of Canaan and he could still “provide his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families” as he did in Gen 47:11.
Isn’t it the will of God to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants?
Wasn’t Abraham’s instruction to his oldest servant not to bring his son (Isaac) away from Canaan in Gen 24:8 a beautiful matter?
When i read Gen 46:1-4 last night, i read that God appeared to Jacob to assure him that He would be with him in Egypt.
Gen 47:13 Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine.
It slowly draws on me that my perspective is too narrow. If Joseph had only provided grains to Jacob and family but left them in Canaan, Joseph might be putting the family in great danger as the family might become a target of attacks from the people of Canaan. Hunger might drive them to robbery and violence. Hungry people are angry people.
Joseph shifted and protected and provided for the family. God was with them, Gen 47:27 So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. Exceedingly by the grace of God.
Sigh, i need to learn to look beyond the circumstance and look from a wider and forward-looking perspective.
Sigh i need to learn to look from a longer time frame: the earthy days are to refine me to enter the heavenly place. And only in the world that i shall know i m worldly.
April 17th, 2010 at 1:09 am
Perhaps one way to pass the day at work is to always be reminded to be the light of the world to our friends and colleagues. Everyday, this is the only prayer I make before I set out to work. Whatever, we do, and I am no exception, is to consider if our actions are befitting of a Christian. In the office, it can be a battlefield with complainers, unmotivated, political, arrogant and stubborn people. However, we should try our best and do our best in our work despite all these obstacles and to shine forth our light. As long as we do our best, God will accept us.