The End of Plenty
Gen 41:53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
In the end, the saints have the last laugh. God saves the best for the saints for the last days. The glory that is ahead cannot be described. Those in Christ Jesus find a supply that others never discover. After the rapture, when saints are taken away, there will be another seven years. Mid-tribulationists say the rapture will be in the middle of a seven year period. Whatever men have called a boom will not last forever.
You do well to read about this seven year period in the Bible, but suffice it to say that those not in Christ that have not been able to retain their sanctification by His grace will be ushered into a period of trouble. The bliss and joys of modernity, the luxuries – high technology and delicious living of those who shun God will reach its peak, even as the Bible says the wickedness of the world increases. Then the saints will be taken to be with their Christ – their “Joseph” as a period of tribulation begins. The Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as the restrainer who has been restraining evil. He is now withdrawn.
I asked myself how Joseph would be perceived in the time of plenty. I suspect many will disbelieve him. I expect that some of his advice to gather would be considered unnecessary. I imagine his admonition to be frugal in a time of unbridled excesses would be termed as overly strict. The seven years of plenty would have been like the times of Noah before the flood …. few will consider Noah to be in good mental health. Similarly many will wonder what this “crazy” Joseph is gathering and storing things for when there is so much … that we cannot number.
In a similar fashion, many wonder in the last days at the sense of being a Christian. Why be lumbered with so many restrictions, why do you need to store so much word in your spirit when scientific advancement has progressed so amazingly forward. Why the tithing, when so many apparently “self-made” billionaires boost that there is no God and teach that the Christian world view is ridiculous and unnecessary. In the last days, the plenty and wealth of nations will mock the teachings and warnings of God.
Joseph was not dancing and enjoying in the time of plenty, rather he was working hard for a future period. Similarly, be diligent in storing the word of God in your heart. It will keep you apart and help you to be prepared for the coming of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Be sure that God has already appointed an end to all the world has called “mighty, pleasing and great” … do not set your eyes on them and resist their seductions.
Song.
“Called unto holiness” Church of our God,
Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by His blood,
Called from the world and its idols to flee,
Called from the bondage of sin to be free.
Prayer: O Lord, Open my eyes to see the varying and temporal nature of worldly gains. Give me Christ that I may have that which lasts forever. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
