The Believer has something to offer that this world cannot fabricate. The world may try to, but there is no comparison.
Egyptian culture of the day believed in many gods and did things that opposed the living God. They worshiped man-made images, were a selfish society, (and with a little study you will find) full of sinful activities.
Yet we find that Joseph, a man of God, is within that government structure being obedient to the Lord. On the other side of Joseph’s life will be bondage for Israel, slavery. The government is taking even the Egyptian’s lands and enslaving their families and possessions.
Yet we see Jacob come before the Pharaoh, “Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” Genesis 47:7
“So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.” Genesis 47:10
So as Jacob comes in... he blesses Pharaoh and when he leaves... he blesses Pharaoh. That is a hard pill to swallow for me, for sure! Knowing some of the things that they practiced and held too yet bless them?!
Let me be clear, I am not advocating to be supportive of a suppressive government or saying to turn a blind eye to a government who dismisses the Living God.
What we can take from this is having an opportunity to share the love of God even in the worst of circumstances, and let God handle what happens next.
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
What lead you to turning from your own ways and turning to the Lord? Chances are recognizing the goodness of God, and you have been given the Holy Spirit as a witness of Christ and Christ crucified. It will not be your condemnation of sin in others’ lives, but it will be the blessing that you possess that will turn a heart to the Lord. When was the last time you prayed for our government and those in leadership around you? When was the last time you prayed a blessing over them?
You have something the world cannot offer, God Himself. May the goodness of His Spirit that we possess change the hearts of many as we carry that blessing forward.
- To Know Him. To Live on Mission.