A Different Blessing

Gen 47:27 And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly…

Now we see in these verses describing the different arrangements made for Israel. We read in previous verses that Egypt had to sell all their property, and relocated to work on farms in the famine, and to bring a tax to Pharaoh- only to manage the rest. The different arrangement for Israel as they occupied influential positions enabled them to gather possessions, to grow and multiply exceedingly. They were given special rations and provisions in Egypt.

The blessings for Israel even in Egypt exceeded those enjoyed by the Egyptians because of Joseph. Are Christians going to be blessed even in this wicked world? When Christ spoke of the blessings for His followers, he spoke of a hundred fold in this time… and in the world to come;

Mar 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Our contact and surrender to Christ, and obedience to Him places us in a unique position of rare blessing to increase even in famine. This is first spiritual but it will be physical as well … as houses etc. also increase. Joseph had given all, and he reaped such a huge harvest, more than enough to cater for his brothers forever. Christ sowed his life and all that truly surrender and love Him are in a covenant to prosper even as their soul prospers even eternally. So why do we still have issues as Christians, why do we experience lack? Why do we not have the abundant life and still have to struggle. Why can we not define our situation as prosperous through the poverty of Christ?

Isa 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. … Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

Am I willing? Am I obedient? What do these mean? Can it be that many are not willing to eat the good of the land? Can it be that some are disobedient? Are we afraid to be blessed … many are unwilling invitees to Him who says all is ready. But God makes us willing in His time, and may God help our obedience for there is still a lot of selective obedience. We cannot antagonize God with our actions and expect the same God to bless us. But our God is also sovereign – He does as He pleases and will be magnified and moves when He desires. He raises up and brings down, without answering to any. He has a timetable for everything. We cannot move ahead of His pre-appointed seasons.

Song.

And when before the throne I stand in Him complete,

I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be willing and obedient to you in every regard. 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