Bible Talks: The story of Joseph

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“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan; And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.”
As the hand of God has been seen directing all the events of Joseph’s life, so now the same divine ordering is seen working on behalf of Jacob and his family. God is well able to move the hearts of kings, to cause a famine, and to effect changes in the kingdoms of this world—all for the good and blessing of His own. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Prov. 21:11The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (Proverbs 21:1). No wisdom of man could have devised circumstances so favorable for the entrance of Jacob and his sons into Egypt. Yet did Pharaoh and his people owe a warm reception to all of Israel’s kin for Joseph’s sake. Pharaoh’s heart was drawn toward Joseph’s people; it was he who made the very proposals and provided the means to transport them to his land and establish them in the best of it.
Scripture records many such instances over the course of history, of kings and rulers working according to the will of God on behalf of His people. Let us never doubt this watchful care over His own, or His wisdom in establishing ways and means to suit His purposes. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Isa. 59:11Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (Isaiah 59:1).
At Pharaoh’s command Joseph provided wagons with mules and provisions for the way, to which he added gifts of his own. “To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment. And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat (food) for his father by the way.” vv. 22,23. True tokens these were of his love and a foretaste of the way he would nourish them when they returned. And what a wonderful provider is our Saviour, “Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Tim. 6:1717Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (1 Timothy 6:17). “All things are yours... And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” I Cor. 3: 21,23.
Joseph did not let his tender affections for his brothers blind his eyes to their needs for diligence and the hazard of their drifting into careless ways when left once more to themselves. “See that ye fall not out by the way,” he admonished them, as they left for Canaan. Must we not also confess that each child of God needs the same warning as he pursues the wilderness journey. The Word gives a faithful warning: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:1212Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12). There is only one sure object that will keep His people true, steadfast and unerringly on the right course: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb. 12:22Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2).
ML 11/12/1967