Passage
Genesis 47:13-26 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
Joseph's Management Saves Lives
Date: Jul. 15, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 47:25a
First, Joseph manages the famine (13-19). Egypt and Canaan wasted away in the famine. All their money for food went to Pharaoh's rule. The year after their money ran out, Joseph didn't give away free food; he had them pay for it with all their livestock. The next year the people offered their land and their labor as slaves to Pharaoh. Joseph encouraged honest, hard work to earn one's food.
Second, Joseph saves lives (20-26). Joseph gave them seed to plant. They were to give 20% of the harvest as taxes to Pharaoh and keep 80% to plant and eat. They were not mad about this. Rather, they said, "You have saved our lives!" Slavery and taxes under fair management is much better than death. God often uses his people to bless and save others.
Prayer: Lord, help us to be honest, hard-working and thankful with the work you've given us to do. Thank you for saving our lives.
One Word: Good management blesses and saves others
