21-08-2022

FULFILLING GOD’S WILL DURING A PREVAILING WORLDWIDE FAMINE

Genesis 15:13,14; 46:1-4

Believers must remain confident in God’s word to fulfil His will during prevailing worldwide
famine. The examples of Joseph and Jacob are worthy of emulation by all believers in this
regard. Both of them fulfilled the prophecy of God to Abraham that “thy seed shall be a
stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them
four hundred years… and afterward shall they come out with great substance”. In line
with His word, the Lord worked out everything through circumstances of the prevailing
worldwide famine for Jacob and his children to move to Egypt, “a land that is not theirs”.
He also confirmed this prophecy to Jacob that, “I am God, the God of thy father: fear not
to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: …I will go down
with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put
his hand upon thine eyes”. God allayed Jacob’s fears and assured him that Joseph was
alive. Joseph, on his part, being a child of prophecy, remained well composed, confident, calm
and joyful in service despite the sad situations that distressed him in the past. Regardless of
our situation, as we go about our daily secular activities and labour for God’s kingdom, we
should not allow our problems to weigh us down and reflect in our disposition as we relate
with others. Rather, we should serve with all our heart in gratitude to God for the privilege.
1. JACOB’S SACRIFICE AND SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL
(i). His Sacrifice in Gratitude to God: Gen 46:1; Rom 12:1,2
Jacob left for Egypt and was grateful to God that he would see his beloved son, Joseph, again.
He expressed his gratitude by making “sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac”. Even
though there was famine, he still took part of what he had to sacrifice to the Lord. As
Christians, we should always have an attitude of gratitude to God for the gift of life,
preservation and all He does for us. In gratitude, we are to present our bodies, skills, talents
and abilities as “a living sacrifice, holy, [and] acceptable unto God”.
(ii). His Submission to the Guidance of God: Gen 46:2-6; Psalm 119:32,33
Jacob submitted to the guidance and will of God who promised to lead him throughout his
journey. “I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up
again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes”. He heard from God before he
moved and his sons, understanding their father’s consecration, did not rush him to a
decision. Knowing the will of God is not limited to marriage; it covers all we do in life. Many
people have worsened their conditions because they failed to seek God’s guidance patiently
before taking a decision. As believers, we must seek God’s guidance and leading at all times
despite pressures from people or present challenges. No matter how old we may be, like
Jacob, our decision and consecration must be to keep the word of God until the end.
(iii). His Security under the Governance of God: Psalm 91:1,9,10
The Lord had already promised that He would lead Jacob on his way to Egypt and he would
see his son again. While we follow the pathway that God has instructed us to walk in, we
should rest assured our lives and family are secure in Him. The Scripture says, “He that
dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the
Almighty”. God has promised us safety in all our journeys. “There shall no evil befall thee,
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”
2. JOSEPH’S SANCTIFICATION AND SERVANTHOOD IN A GODLY WAY
Gen 45:4,5; 47:12
Joseph was a servant in a godly way. When he met his brethren, he forgot all they had done to
him in the past and comforted them. He knew “God did send [him ahead] to preserve life”.
Afterwards, “Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's
household, with bread, according to their families”. He made use of what God had
provided to nourish His people. Like him, we ought to forgive and forget past hurtful deeds
against us.

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(i). The Sanctified Heart of the Just: Lev 19:18; John 17:14,17; 1 Thess 5:22-24
A sanctified heart with true love does not keep malice, bear grudges or avenge. It heeds the
command, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy
people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD”. Believers must
learn to forgive the offences of others and not brood over them so they do not affect our
prayers and relationship with God and other brethren. Joseph’s life of non-retaliation reveals
his pure heart. Those who lack the sanctification experience, which enables us to forgive and
forget, must go to the “God of peace [to] sanctify [them] wholly” in order to be “preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
(ii). The Selfless Hard Work of Joseph: Gen 41:46-49; 47:14,19,20
Joseph exemplified real sanctification. He was able to organise, manage, train and engage the
people who cooperated with him. Joseph was industrious and dutiful. He supervised the work
himself and did not delegate duty while being idle. He was present at the selling point, which
enabled him to see his brethren. The Lord calls us to do “Whatsoever [our] hand findeth to
do …with [all our mind and] might” (Eccl 9:10). Like Joseph, we must be faithful and honest
at our point of duty because God is watching.
(iii). The Sincere Humility with Joyfulness: Gen 41:16,32,33,38-40
Our actions and joyfulness in the service of the Lord tell whether we have the Spirit of God or
not. God’s Spirit does not dwell in people who handle His work with burdened and sorrowful
mind. Joseph had experienced a lot, yet when he came before Pharaoh, he interpreted his
dream joyfully. Like him, we must be filled with joy and excitement in any service we render to
God and humanity.
3. JUSTIFIED SEPARATION OF SAINTS FROM THE GODLESS WORLD
Gen 46:33,34
(i). The Separation of the Shepherds in Goshen: Gen 43:32; 2 Cor 6:17,18; James
1:26,27
Joseph allocated Goshen to his father and brethren because “every shepherd is an
abomination unto the Egyptians”. The Israelites were shepherds; therefore, they lived
separately “in the land of Goshen”. The Lord orchestrated the separation so that they will be
different from the people of Egypt. The Lord wants us to be “separate” from the filthy, godless
people of the world in every way, particularly in dressing, business and marriage; and to keep
ourselves pure and unspotted from the world.
(ii). The Severance of His Saints from the Godless: Lev 20:26; Jer 10:1-3
“And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from
other people, that ye should be mine”. As believers, we must separate completely from the
vain and godless customs, traditions and ways of life of the world because the Lord does not
want us to be defiled by them.
(iii). The Setting Apart of Spiritual Sons unto God: Psalm 4:3,4; 2 Tim 2:19,21,22
“But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself”. The will of God
is for His children to be set apart and not to mingle with the people of the world nor be
involved in their sinful practices. As spiritual sons and daughters unto God, we must not sin
or copy their immoral lifestyles. The Scripture warns, “Let every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity”. By so doing, the Lord will elevate us to high places on the
earth and reward us duly when we get to heaven at the end.

Congregational Songs
GHS 55, 68 & 165

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