His Word Today

The state, or government, is one of several societal realms God created, established and sustains. These other realms include the following: family, church, labor, community, and the relationship between God and man. All of these social realms are to revolve around and receive their purpose from the One, True God. In other words, the God of the Bible.

Take note of the following Scripture passages as they pertain to one of God’s created social realms: the state.

²⁰ “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. ²¹ He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; ²² he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:20–22 (ESV)

⁹ “He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” ¹¹ Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:9–11 (ESV)

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 (ESV)

Dr. Tel Tackett explains, “God’s perspective on the state, is that it is strictly subordinate to His sovereign dominion and control. Just as the Son is subject to the Father, the wife to the husband, and the elders of the church to the headship of Christ, so the authority of the state, within the economy of the divine design for the political sphere, is subject to and dependent upon the authority of God himself. Governors and magistrates hold their power purely as delegates and representatives of the King of all kings.”

The country in which I am a citizen, the United States of America, is another example of a nation which God caused to exist and institute. Even in its colonial infancy, the founding colonists, and the founding fathers of America’s constitutional government, recognized this as truth; not just for Christian citizens, but for all citizens.

The Mayflower Compact, the New England Primer, and other colonial constitutions acknowledged the biblical truth of God’s sovereignty over human government and that human government was not sovereign in and of itself.

Dr. Tackett continues by saying, “The New England Primer, the second best-selling book (after the Bible) of the colonial era, provides an intriguing window into the attitudes of early Americans. In particular, it reveals an outlook and a way of life powerfully shaped by the teachings of Scripture. The pervasiveness of this outlook is further demonstrated in statements made by America’s early political leaders, legal and social architects, and educational pioneers—people such as Benjamin Rush, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, Charles Carroll, Noah Webster, and the founders of Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia Universities. In spite of the fact that not all of them were practicing Christians, these luminaries agreed with President John Adams that the success of America’s republican form of government would prove directly dependent upon the virtue and morality of her people, and that virtue and morality are necessarily founded upon religion—by which all meant the Christian religion. These early thinkers were convinced that the state must be held accountable to the authority of a higher ethical and spiritual standard—the “Natural Law” or the “Law of Nature’s God”—if the human rights abuses they had observed in Europe and throughout history were to be avoided on this continent.”

What has occurred in the world, and particularly in the United States, is that the biblical worldview of God and government has been abandoned? Scholars place several reasons for this occurrence.

To begin with, Darwinian evolutionary theory has made its influence felt in the study and observance of the rule of law. In 1869, Harvard Law School Dean Christopher Langdell advanced the view that law is based not upon the transcendent standard of “Nature’s God,” but rather upon a fluid and constantly mutating body of “doctrine,” a set of purely human ideas that inevitably change “by slow degrees.” In other words, law and ethics, like biological species, are “evolving.”

Secondly, this provides insight into the perspective by many in America that the United States Constitution is a so-called “living document. This viewpoint is in contrast to those, like late United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (1936-2016), who are originalists and texualists in their interpretation of the Constitution.  

Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) declared that the law is “simply an embodiment of the ends and purposes of a society at a given point in its history.”  Holmes’ perspective thus effectively granted to the state the power to establish society’s ethical norms.

Thirdly, American psychologist John Dewey (1859-1952) implemented these aforementioned ideas into the realm of public education. “There is no God,” said Dewey (nicknamed “The Architect of Modern Education”), “and there is no soul. Hence, there are no needs for the props of traditional religion” in America’s schools.

However, there is a biblical reason for what has occurred in the United States, and in many other countries, regarding the rise of the state and its increasing control in the lives of its citizens. What that biblical reason is, and how Christians are to respond to a rising secular government, will be our topic next time at His Word Today.

Soli deo Gloria!

The state, or government, is one of several societal realms God created, established and sustains. These other realms include the following: family, church, labor, community, and the relationship between God and man. All of these social realms are to revolve around and receive their purpose from the One, True God. In other words, the God of the Bible.

Take note of the following Scripture passages as they pertain to one of God’s created social realms: the state.

²⁰ “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. ²¹ He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; ²² he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” (Daniel 2:20–22 (ESV)

⁹ “He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” ¹¹ Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:9–11 (ESV)

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 (ESV)

The state holds its power purely as delegates and representatives of the King of all kings. In other words, the God of Scripture. The Lord appointed and armed the state with the sword in order that it might 1) punish evil and 2) condone good (Romans 13:1-4). Those who forget these principles and become puffed up with a sense of their own importance are, like Ahab (1 Kings 21), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:20-30), Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26), and Herod (Acts 12:21-23), liable to swift and severe judgment.

What happens when initially an individual in particular, or eventually a society at large, rejects the One, True God being the center of all existence and societal realms? When this occurs, the vacuum or vacancy must be filled. Society must find something, or someone, for which to derive their purpose for existence. Who, or what, will fill this position when God is rejected by society (Romans 1:18-23)? The answer is the state.

When the state occupies the positon God originally designed for Himself, the state then determines the purpose for the other societal realms God created. The state will begin to authoritatively rule over the family, church, labor, community, and the relationship between God and man. In effect, the state will establish itself as a replacement for God.

This pattern of the rejection of God, and the replacement of God by the state, has occurred many times throughout recorded history. What is initially entertained philosophically, becomes a reality politically and societally. When God is denied and rejected by mankind, the state fills the vacuum thereby becoming autonomous and accountable to no one. 19^th century German philosopher Friedrich Hegel, and influencer to  Karl Marx and Friedrich Nietzsche, proposed the glorified state which is authoritarian.

How does this ominous reality pertain to the Journey of Joseph?  Joseph and Pharaoh did not set out to establish an authoritative state replacing the LORD when Egypt provided food and sustenance for a starving world (Gen. 41).

However, the Pharaoh of the Exodus did. He not only refused to acknowledge the importance of Joseph in Egypt’s history, but by reasonable logic he also did not acknowledge the importance of the God of Joseph. Therefore, this resulted in the orchestrated mass infanticide of new born Hebrew boys ((Exodus 1).

Dr. Tel Tackett explains, “The Bible and history demonstrate, when human rulers overstep their bounds, deny the sovereignty of the various social spheres, and seek to establish state control over every other area of human life, tyranny, oppression, and violence are sure to follow. The godless expansion of the power of the state has reared its ugly head many times in the past, most notably in the 20th century regimes of rulers such as Stalin, Lenin, Hitler, Mao, and Pol Pot. It is raising its head again in our own time. Without God, truth, or any higher moral standard, people are increasingly looking to the state as savior and supplier of every human need.”

How is the United States of America, Canada, or other countries evidencing a biblical perspective of God and the state? Or are they? Answers to these questions will be forthcoming in the next installment of His Word Today.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁵³ “The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, ⁵⁴ and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. ⁵⁵ When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.” ⁵⁶ So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. ⁵⁷ Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.” (Genesis 41:53–57 (ESV)

Moses recorded that Joseph was thirty years old when he began serving Pharaoh, the king of Egypt (Gen. 41:46). Joseph’s service coincided with the beginning of the seven years of plenty (Gen. 41:47).

Today’s text indicates that the seven years of plenty ended and the seven years of famine began to come (Gen. 41:53-54). This would make Joseph thirty-seven at the beginning of the seven years of famine. Joseph was in the prime of adulthood.

As God revealed through Joseph to Pharaoh (Gen. 41:25-36), the famine was devastating. No country was exempt from the agricultural crisis. However, the text states that there was bread in Egypt (Gen. 41:54).

United States Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. (1882-1959) wrote, “There are no great men, only great challenges that ordinary men are forced by circumstances to meet.” With respect to the Patriarch Joseph, he was an ordinary man who faced a great challenge but who the One, True God equipped him to meet the challenge.

Not only did the Egyptians come to buy grain from the storehouses, but also did other people from other countries. When Moses wrote, “Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth,” he was using the literary figure of speech known as hyperbole or exaggeration. We must always remember to interpret the Scriptures literally. This means to recognize that the Bible is literature and contains the various components of such. This will assist us in rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “The use of hyperbole with “all” (vv. 54, 56–57) emphatically indicates the widespread ravaging impact of famine far beyond Egypt’s borders. She had become indeed the “breadbasket” of the ancient world.”

Today’s text reveals the temporal salvation from physical starvation of the then known world depended on one descendant of the patriarchs: Joseph (Gen. 12:3; 39:5). Likewise, the eternal salvation of God from His judgment depended upon one descendant of the patriarchs: Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38).

Take the opportunity today to thank God for providence and care: both temporally and eternally. Thank the Lord for equipping you, and other ordinary people, to meet great challenges. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!    

^50 “Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. ⁵¹ Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” ⁵² The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:50–52 (ESV)

Scholars have placed proper emphasis on Joseph’s leadership during the seven years of plenty. This is appropriate. However, it should also be noted that during this time of extensive preparation and work, Joseph was beginning a family.

Following his marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Gen. 41:45), she bore him two sons. The text reveals that Joseph had a home life, aside from beginning his work as the viceroy of Egypt.

Joseph named his eldest son Manasseh. Manasseh means forget or causing to forget. Moses wrote that Joseph named his eldest child this “For God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.”

It was not that Joseph could ever forget his Hebrew family, for in mentioning the hardship of his father’s house was to remember. However, the Hebrew word forget (nas’sa) means to not proceed upon an action, either to bless or to punish. In naming his child Manasseh, Joseph declared he would not seek vengeance upon his brothers for selling him into slavery (Gen. 37:12-36) when he was now in a position to do so.

Joseph named his second child Ephraim. If calling his first born Manasseh focused on his past, the name Ephraim focused on Joseph’s present. Moses wrote, “The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Gen. 41:52). The word fruitful, meaning abundance, contrasts with the word bitter, which means poverty. The poor slave in Egypt is now the wealthy delegated leader of Egypt.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “In spite of his success, he did not abandon his Israelite heritage. He gave his two sons characteristically Hebrew names. Manasseh (forget) signified that God had made him forget the misery of his separation from his family. Ephraim (fruitful) signified that God had made him fruitful in the land of Egypt.”

Dr. John MacArthur writes, “The names, meaning “forgetful” and “fruitful,” assigned to his sons together with their explanations depict the centrality of God in Joseph’s worldview. Years of suffering, pagan presence, and separation from his own family had not harmed his faith.”

Joseph offers believers in Christ today a valuable life lesson when dealing with unfair and cruel treatment by others. We are not to dwell on past wrongs done against us, but rather consider the present blessings God has brought to us. We must realize that God is in control of both (Romans 5:1-5; James 1:1-5; I Peter 1:3-7).

Have a blessed day in the Lord as your count your blessings from the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day weekend in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2022. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Five: Of the Church. Part 2.

3. Unto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto.^a

a. Isa 59:21; Mat 28:19-20; 1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11-13.

4. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible.^a And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.^b

a. Rom 11:3-4; Rev 12:6, 14. • b. 1 Cor 5:6-7; Rev 2-3 throughout.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

We will continue to devote each Lord’s Day weekend in 2022 at hiswordtoday.org to present a portion of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For those unfamiliar with the WCF, a brief explanation is appropriate. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith is a Reformed confession of faith. Drawn up by the 1646 Westminster Assembly as part of the Westminster Standards to be a confession of the Church of England, it became and remains the “subordinate standard” of doctrine (to Scripture) in the Church of Scotland and has been influential within Presbyterian churches worldwide.

It is to that “most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity” that we will give our time and attention to each Lord’s Day in the year of our Lord, 2021. I trust you will be edified and encouraged each week by The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Chapter Twenty Five: Of the Church. Part 1.

1. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.^a

a. Eph 1:10, 22-23; Eph 5:23, 27, 32; Col 1:18.

2. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one nation as before under the law) consists of all those, throughout the world, that profess the true religion,^a and of their children;^b and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ,^c the house and family of God,^d out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.^e

a. Psa 2:8; Rom 15:9-12; 1 Cor 1:2; 12:12-13; Rev 7:9. • b. Gen 3:15; 17:7; Ezek 16:20-21; Acts 2:39; Rom 11:16; 1 Cor 7:14. • c. Isa 9:7; Mat 13:47. • d. Eph 2:19; 3:15. • e. Acts 2:47.

I encourage you to read the portions of Scripture listed in this post. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴⁶ “Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh King of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁷ During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, ⁴⁸ and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. He put in every city the food from the fields around it. ⁴⁹ And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured.” (Genesis 41:46–49 (ESV)

It is at this moment in the historical narrative of Joseph that Moses provides his readers with a timeline into Joseph’s life. When the Joseph narrative began, he was seventeen years old (Gen. 37:2). Today’s text indicates that he was thirty years of age when he entered into the service of Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46). Joseph spent thirteen years in prison or confinement. After spending over a decade as a slave, he is not only a free man but also a powerful and respected leader.

Psalm 105:16-22 says, “¹⁶ When he (the LORD) summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, ¹⁷ he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. ¹⁸ His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; ¹⁹ until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. ²⁰ The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; ²¹ he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, ²² to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom.”

For seven years Joseph implemented God’s plan for survival. This means Joseph was 37 by the time the seven years of plenty concluded and the seven years of famine began.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “Pharaoh’s dreams were then fulfilled. The land produced abundant, even immeasurable crops for seven years, and Joseph gathered them into storage in the Egyptian cities, exercising absolute authority throughout the land.”

It is hard for us in today’s culture to perhaps grasp and comprehend the LORD taking thirteen years before He elevated Joseph to a position of leadership in Egypt. However, we should remember that Joseph did not become a leader when Pharaoh promoted him. Rather, he had been a leader not only in Potiphar’s house (Gen. 39) but also in prison (Gen. 40). Joseph was willing to serve the LORD wherever He placed the young Hebrew. Where Joseph served was not as important as who he served: the One, True God of heaven and earth.

Believers in Christ do not have to wait until they reach a place of prominence in order to serve the LORD. Believers can serve wherever they are to whomever they meet. Leadership is not so much about a title but rather using the God given gifts and abilities you have to serve the LORD who has you.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁴² “Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. ⁴³ And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁴ Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” ⁴⁵ And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:42–45 (ESV)

Pharaoh installation of Joseph as administrator in Egypt was filled with much fanfare. There are four notable occurrences.

Frist, Pharaoh gave Joseph several personal items verifying the young Hebrew’s new, elevated status. Pharaoh gave Joseph his own signet ring. The ring include a seal which would be used for signing documents. Pharaoh had Joseph clothed in fine, linen garments. After all, clothes make the man. Finally, Joseph received a gold chain to be worn around his neck.

Second, Pharaoh had Joseph publically ride in the second chariot during his installation. This was a common Egyptian custom. The “second chariot” was a chariot that immediately followed after Pharaoh’s chariot in state processions. An individual running before the chariot would begin shouting “Bow the knee!” or “Make way!” The chariot, and the announcement, designated that the one riding in it was second-in-command to Pharaoh.

Third, Pharaoh changed Joseph’s name. He would be called name Zaphenath-paneah, which means “the god speaks and he lives.”

Finally, Joseph’s newly established nobility was further cemented by marriage. Pharaoh gave Joseph in marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On.

Today’s text concludes with the statement “So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.” The prisoner is now a prince. The one who had known imprisonment for so long freely traveled throughout the land of Egypt. The estranged and jailed criminal is now established, freed and honored.

Joseph is not unlike the sinner who before God was estranged, a debtor and a criminal. By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone God reconciled, paid the debt of sin through Christ’s substitutionary atonement, and now calls the sinner His child.

Dr. R .C. Sproul explains, “Jacob’s son was granted all this because he relied on the Lord and was empowered by the Holy Spirit, necessary qualifications for the wise, godly ruler (1 Sam. 16:13; Isa. 11). Thousands of years after Joseph, our Savior was also given this Spirit to reign as David’s greatest son over all those captives He sets free (Luke 4:16–2).

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

³⁷ “This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. ³⁸ And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” ³⁹ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. ⁴⁰ You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” ⁴¹ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:37–41 (ESV)

What is leadership? Leadership expert, and former pastor, John Maxwell explains that “leadership is influence. That’s it. Nothing more; nothing less. My favorite leadership proverb is: He who thinks he leads and has no one following him is only taking a walk.”

What makes a godly leader? Godly leadership is being a person of character. Character is being biblically moral and possessing a good reputation.  A leader may be uniquely qualified with multiple degrees, supremely gifted with a dynamic personality, and ably talented as a communicator. However, if he or she lacks a strong, moral character their ministry, or career, will be superficial and inconsequential at best and damaging at worst. In American culture where “image is everything” the leader must be a person of moral substance. A leader whose character is a mile wide, but an inch deep, is not sufficient for the task at hand. 

Concerning a leader’s character Pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, “Let us aspire to saintliness of spirit and character. I am persuaded that the greatest power we can get over our fellow men is the power which comes of consecration and holiness.” Spurgeon believed that a leader must evidence an uncompromising standard of character.

Joseph was such a leader. He maintained a God-centered morality (Gen. 39) and possessed a good reputation (Gen. 39:21-23; 41:9-13). Joseph was a holy man of God.

Pharaoh, no insignificant leader himself, recognized leadership in Joseph. Consider what Moses wrote. ³⁹ “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. ⁴⁰ You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”  

Pharaoh realized that Joseph’s leadership advice, concerning the impending fourteen years of plenty and famine, was wise and discerning (Gen. 41:25-36). Pharaoh also acknowledged the One, True God was with Joseph (Gen. 41:37-38). Therefore, Pharaoh set Joseph over the entire land of Egypt. However, Joseph knew that God was ultimately in control (Gen.50:20).

Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “This combination of warning and wisdom pleases the pharaoh greatly, as we read in today’s passage. The truth of Joseph’s words is so evident that the king of Egypt recognizes the Holy Spirit’s presence with him (Gen. 41:38). Of course, pagan notions probably color the pharaoh’s conception of Joseph’s anointing since his nation worships many gods. He is speaking with more wisdom than he knows, just like Caiaphas did when he spoke of Jesus’ death as a substitution (John 11:45–53). Pharaoh immediately heeds the counsel to place a man in charge of famine relief (Gen. 41:34–36) and chooses Joseph for this task. Jacob’s son is invested with more prestige than we might have expected, for he is now second to the pharaoh in command over the land of the Nile (vv. 40, 43). After years of faithfulness in little things — obeying Jacob, serving Potiphar, and managing the prison (37:12–17; 39–40) — Joseph is finally given authority over much (Matt. 25:14–30).”

The Holy Spirit was working through Joseph. The same Holy Spirit works in, and through, believers in Christ today (Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:12-13). One pastor explains, “The Spirit who gave wisdom to Joseph and empowered Christ to rule over all is the same Holy Spirit whom the Father freely grants to His people today (John 14:15–17). Even now He is writing God’s law on our hearts and slaying the remaining vestiges of sin and death. As we submit to Him, the Spirit’s work to make us holy becomes more and more evident in our lives. Let us cease resisting His direction and conviction so that we may become more like Him.”

In what areas of your life have your resisted the Holy Spirit’s work? Repent of this sin and submit to becoming more obedient to the Word of God. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

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³³ “Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. ³⁴ Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. ³⁵ And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. ³⁶ That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.” (Genesis 41:33–36 (ESV)

There are two words which stand out in my mind as I read today’s text from Genesis. Those two words are discerning and wise. They pertain to Joseph’s counsel to Pharaoh for him to select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.

Joseph informed the king that the one, true sovereign God would bring seven years of plenty and agricultural prosperity upon the land. However, this would be followed by seven years of famine (Gen. 41:25-32). Joseph counseled Pharaoh as to what he, the king, should do. It began by selecting a discerning and wise I individual to oversee a particular strategy for survival.

The Hebrew word for discerning (nabon) refers to a skillful, understanding, perceptive individual. It is a person whose knowledge can be effectively implemented for a particular situation. If this individual does not have the talent and skill for a particular task, he possesses the discernment to know who does. This is an individual who gets the job done, either personally or administratively.  

The Hebrew word for wise (ha’kam) also means a person who is discerning and skillful in accomplishing a task. This is an individual who is not only intelligent, but is able to wisely use their intelligence. It is not just about their intelligence quotient (IQ) but how they use their intelligence in a sensible, shrewd and learned manner.

Notice that Joseph did not identify this particular discerning and wise individual. He did not even nominate himself for the job. He just gave Pharaoh discerning and wise counsel.

³⁴ Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. ³⁵ And let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. ³⁶ That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine.”

Joseph was not fatalist. He did not just tell Pharaoh that the famine would come and there was nothing that could be done about it. Joseph gave the king revelation about the future. He also provided discerning and wise counsel for responsive and responsible behavior the king should implement.

Dr. R. C. Sproul explains, “Rescue was possible for the pharaoh and his people if they listened to God’s word through Joseph (vv. 33–36). Biblical Christianity is not a fatalistic religion like Islam, which teaches that man’s decisions have no real impact on God’s plan. Of course, Scripture says the Lord ordains all things. But it also tells us many details are hidden from us (Deut. 29:29); thus, what to us seems set in stone is often subject to change (Jer. 18:1–11). Certainly, God knows the future, but He usually hides the future from us. Instead, He warns of judgment and offers blessing to motivate human choices that joyously do His will and bring glory to Him.”

 John Calvin says, “Genesis 41:33 shows how true prophecy eschews fatalism. God gives prophecies that “would form men to piety, would lead them to repentance, and would excite them to prayer when oppressed with fear.”

Are their times when you tend to be a fatalist and choose not to do something because it seems useless? We must always remember that God has made us His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of good works (Eph. 2:10).  

Soli deo Gloria!