When I had originally started this study on the life of Joseph, I looked
at this story from the angle of family problems. However, as this story
continues to unfold, I stand amazed at how intimately God has been at
work in the hearts of every member over the years. As we begin reading
Genesis chapter 42: 1-5, we can see how God has not only created a famine
in the land of Egypt but was also using these adverse circumstances to
affect the lives of Joseph's family back home. Yes, the Lord was rousing
the hunger of Jacob and his sons and the time had come to do something
about this particular problem…
Genesis 42:1-5
Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons,
Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that
there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence;
that we may live, and not die. And Joseph's ten brethren went down to
buy corn in Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with
his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him. And
the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine
was in the land of Canaan.
Upon seeing the delicious corn his neighbors had bought in Egypt and brought
home, Jacob was provoked to action. It's good when the head of the house
is stirred to put forth some effort toward finding an answer to the family's
struggles. When we observe the needs of others being abundantly supplied,
it usually spurs us on to fulfill our needs as well! Who in their right
mind would want to stand by and watch somebody else obtain nourishment
for their souls yet sit home starving themselves?? Keep that point in
mind as God changes you and your walk with the Lord is refined. People
are going to notice that God is prospering your home and not only are
they going to want exactly what you've got, they're going to sample the
same source of fulfillment you chose. We must ever be aware of the drawing
power of our example!
John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Like Jacob, having discovered where help is to be had, we should quickly
apply for it. Surprisingly, even hungry people cringe at the labor and
are deferred by the cost involved. Ladies, there is always full provision
available in Christ; but we must first get up off our duffs and come to
Him, and secure food for our souls! God is not going to just deliver the
goods to our doorstep and do all the work Himself…
2 Thes. 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would
not work, neither should he eat.
Spiritually speaking, how hungry are you today?? When you're starving
to death, you'll do something about the problem of finding food; you'll
start noticing who's got food and who doesn't. Jacob appears frustrated
with his sons for sitting around and staring at each other while they
could be doing something about improving their family situation. You wouldn't
be guilty of the same behavior, would you?? Many husbands and wives are
craving a happy home, they are unhappy with their marriages, not satisfied
with the way their family is turning out in general, yet they sit home
Sunday after Sunday and never seek out a good Bible preaching church that
can provide them the answers to their problems from the Word of God!
Matthew 4:4
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Yes, people act like Jacob's sons - many sit around wasting time "looking
upon one another" - blaming each another for their miserable situation
rather than exerting some effort in a positive direction! Some even peer
out their windows at the Christian family next door and talk about how
they need to go to church with them sometime but then they lazily settle
back into their chairs and turn on the television and forget about the
corn they saw their neighbors bringing home! How much of a famine do YOU
really need to experience before you're serious about seeking help for
your family?? Stop talking about how bad the famine is at your house when
you can DO something about it! Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get
up and go buy some corn and find nourishment and health for your home!
At the prompting of their father, Jacob's sons finally got up and did
something about their hunger. At that moment, these brothers had no idea
how close they were coming to the total restoration of their family… Dear
lady, that could be your story too! What might your heavenly Father be
using a famine to prompt you to do today? Don't waste another minute -
do what He bids you - there is fulfillment close by!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003