Joseph goes in to tell Pharaoh that all his family have now arrived with their flocks and possessions and have settled in the land of Goshen.
He introduces five of them to Pharaoh and having primed them (ch.46) they tell him, honestly, (not like they used to be) that they are shepherds and there was no pasture in their own land because of the famine and they request Pharaoh to allow them to dwell in Goshen. He grants their request (v6) and adds, “If you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
Pharaoh on being told this tells Joseph that they are to be made “Chief herdsmen over his livestock”. Joseph did not try to cover his humble beginnings – all are useful to God and precious whatever our status as the world may view us. Shows how important it is to tell the truth – it paid off here and always does. They could have told a lie in view of the Egyptians’ despising of shepherds.
Whatever our beginnings, however humble, God can use us. He uses failures, I’m so glad, because I’m one.
Jacob is introduced to Pharaoh (v7) and Jacob blesses him, twice apparently (v7,10). In the context of the book, it would seem that he was imparting God’s blessing or benediction on Pharaoh; probably for his kindness to them.
When asked how old he was, Jacob tells him, “The days of my sojourning are 130 years.” Implies no permanent dwelling place. The patriarchs viewed life as “Looking forward to a city whose builder and maker is God” (Heb 11v10)
Jacob seems to concentrate on the bad bits of his life, many of which were of his own doing, but what about the blessings God had poured upon him?
How often do we only remember the bad times? Let us be careful to remember the good times even when things seem to go wrong.
Joseph wisely performs his duties exchanging grain for money, then livestock when money ran out, and even land (v18). We also see that Joseph’s plans give them greater incentive to work and the people recognized that God had saved their lives.
Do we recognize that God has saved us form a fate worse than starvation – should we not willingly serve Him?
Joseph does illustrate that it is possible to succeed in business and be a Christian. A man can occupy the highest position and glorify God and yet be a humble, true-hearted child of God. He was not afraid to work hard. And he was a man of principle.
Colossians 3v23 says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily as to The LORD; do all in the Name of Jesus” (v17); “Do all to the Glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10v31)
