Hunger is a Motivator

Genesis 47:27-31

Hunger is an amazing motivator; many people will leave the area their families have lived in for generations because of a famine.  History is our witness, the Great Depression of the 1930’s left many families displaced all over this country.  It would not be a far reach to say that most of the families never planned on staying long term in their new surroundings, but we know that many never returned to the place they called home.

Jacob and his family had their roots in Canaan, Egypt was not home, but Canaan was not prepared for a famine and Egypt was, so they left Canaan temporarily to stay out of the famine in Egypt.  It is seventeen years later, and they are still in Egypt, but Egypt has been good to them; they have gained possessions and have become fruitful and multiplied greatly.  What was temporary, is now home and it seems as if no one remembers a promise made to Abram, whose name was later changed to Abraham.

This is what God promised Abram, “Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.”  When was this promise made to Abram?  It was before he had any children!  Joseph was still in charge, he was still the man of the hour and all seemed good, but never forget God keeps his promises.

How would God’s chosen people being afflicted and turned into slaves, bring glory to God?  What happens to a people when their freedom is taken and they are no longer allowed to go, or do, what they want?  Looking to Jesus for the answer: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)  Often Christians are taken captive in Egypt, the Scripture often refers to Egypt, as a place void of the Spirit, and a place where the flesh feels comfortable.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice