God’s Love: Part 7

Genesis 41: 53-57

“53 The seven years of plenty that prevailed in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.” 56 And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world.”

Joseph had become one of the most powerful men in Egypt and he used this power not to enrich himself (It was Pharaoh who became wealthy) but to save the people of Egypt.  

Joseph recognized that it was because of God’s presence in his life that he was saved from slavery and prison.  Without God in his life, he would have died in a dark, dank cell without hope.

It is important to note that the story of Joseph is not about Joseph’s material prosperity or his worldly success.  It is the story of God’s love for His people and for Joseph.  

God led Joseph to be elevated to a position of power so that he would be in a position to help the people of Egypt and the Jews when they migrated there.

God had plans for His people and he used Joseph for His purposes.  

He used Joseph because Joseph recognized His voice, listened to His words, and then he acted upon His words.

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.”  (John 1:6)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)