Slices
Prepare
We are blessed ‘with every spiritual blessing in Christ’ (Ephesians 1:3). Thank God for each one.
Bible passage
47 Joseph went and told Pharaoh, ‘My father and brothers, with their flocks and herds and everything they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in Goshen.’ 2 He chose five of his brothers and presented them before Pharaoh.
3 Pharaoh asked the brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’
‘Your servants are shepherds,’ they replied to Pharaoh, ‘just as our fathers were.’ 4 They also said to him, ‘We have come to live here for a while, because the famine is severe in Canaan and your servants’ flocks have no pasture. So now, please let your servants settle in Goshen.’
5 Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you, 6 and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.’
7 Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, ‘How old are you?’
9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.’ 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.
Explore
Jacob, the poor, elderly immigrant, is introduced to the most powerful person in the land (v 7). It’s quite a contrast in status! Jacob’s need is obvious: Joseph has made it clear (v 1). Unless Pharaoh blesses him with land for his flocks, he and his family will be destitute (v 4). Though, remarkably, we do not read that Pharaoh blesses Jacob – though he does give him very good land (v 6) – but rather that Jacob blesses Pharaoh. Twice (vs 7,10) after Joseph, four of his brothers put their family’s needs before Pharaoh (vs 1,4).
Jacob’s unexpected blessing of a foreign power is a fulfilment of God’s promise to his grandfather Abram, who was told that ‘all peoples on earth will be blessed through you’ (Genesis 12:3). It was Jacob’s privilege to bear God’s blessing across Canaan’s border and into Egypt.
Generations later, Abraham’s family would be forced to relocate again, this time into Babylon. Even there, God instructed them to ‘seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you’ (Jeremiah 29:7).
Be a blessing, wherever you are. Even if you are not where you want to be, be a blessing. Don’t make distinctions. God blesses indiscriminately, sending ‘rain on the righteous and the unrighteous’ (Matthew 5:45). Don’t judge; just bless.
Respond
Think of the people who you spend most time with. In what ways could you offer them indiscriminate blessing? Think practically, make some plans and put them into effect!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Leviticus 21,22; Acts 11
Pray for Scripture Union
Give thanks to God for inspiring and leading the SU Mission Through Sport team to develop activities, resources and training to help introduce Jesus into sport and physical activities effectively and safely. (Today's prayer relate to this article.)
