Genesis 46 - 47 (28th Jan) - Madeline

For the 2 chapters, I'll like to zoom into the character traits of Joseph, which we can learn from.

1)Joseph honours his parents

Genesis 47:11-12 "Joseph gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Ramses, as Pharaoh had commanded and sustained his father and his brothers with food."

Joseph brought much happiness to Jacob in his final 17 years of life, by uniting him with the rest of the family. We should honour our parents, which includes material ways of caring.


2)Integrity of Joseph

Gen 47:14 " And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house."

Amid such heaps of money, the opportunity of plundering was super difficult to avoid. But whatever Joseph collected, he brought into the house of the king. It was integrity, to keep the hands pure amidst such heaps of gold. Joseph feared the Lord.

3) Wisdom of Joseph

Joseph was a Shepherd. Nope, he did not have a dip nor degree in business admin / Political Science. Yet, he governed the people in wisdom. By the end of the famine, most of the land became state-owned. And the people paid 20% tax to the Pharaoh!
No force nor threats had reduced the Egyptians to this necessity. Joseph transacted the king's business faithfully; and fulfilled the duties of his office, without resorting to violent edicts.

Let's fear the Lord and keep our integrity. May the Lord give us wisdom to govern,lead and administer... in our ministry, our school and the market place.... wherever God has and will place us. Amen!