Not all that come
Gen 42:5 And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
The Bible says that God foreknew all that would be saved and that these He sanctified and subsequently glorified. Only those drawn by the Spirit of God can come to His salvation. There were so many that say that they came to God but they came not by the door, but they jumped over the fence. In times of difficulty many will say they serve God, but those that truly love God will be known by God, set apart by God and eventually glorified by God. Always thanking God.
The Bible says concerning the congregation, many will say they did great exploits in the name of Christ, but Christ knows all that are His. Just as Joseph knows His brothers. There were many others that came and bought so much corn. These are like the many that come to the word of God and use its principles to improve their life and even did many exploits – but God did not know them. They did not obey Him, and were not assigned tasks by God. These are like wandering stars …they are uncontrolled even in the sanctuary.
The main difference between Joseph’s brothers and the rest that came is that Joseph knew his bothers. God had pre-chosen them as his brothers – they did not qualify themselves by any performance or lack of it. It was all grace that elected them into the family of Joseph. They are the ones who will find a bread that is already paid for and ushered to live for the rest of their lives in Goshen. They are made great by grace.
As you reflect on this short text, reflect that it is not all that cry Lord, Lord that will be joint heirs with Him. Dearth can bring many mercenaries to come for what they need to survive. Hunger attracts wolves as well as sheep. Goats will look for pasture just as lambs need to feed. It is not ours to judge, for we do not know. God gives the toughest assignments to His cherished ones, because He foreknew them that they will remain faithful even if faced with death. His own are His special army – co-workers in His Revival. A pastor once put up a sign board “This Church will have either a revival or a funeral.” … It had a Revival. God knows those who care for Him than their very lives. Are you one of those to whom He will say “I never knew you”?
Many have come to the Church and find only food … true salvation reunites us with the family of Christ – we find a brother.
Song.
The saints of old were beaten, tried, condemned and even crucified.
These martyr men beat no retreat when flames were licking at their feet
They saw the tyrant’s brandished steel, But still they offered no appeal.
They struck no bargain for their lives, For their children or their wives.
All slowly roasted in the flames. While angels wrote each of their names.
Within a book God calls His own – To be proclaimed before His throne.
Prayer: O Lord, bring your Revival. 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
