How can we apply the humility shown in Genesis 47:18 to our lives? Setting the scene During the severe famine, the Egyptians had already exhausted their money and livestock in exchange for grain. A year later they returned to Joseph and confessed: “‘We cannot hide from my lord that the money is gone and all the livestock and cattle belong to my lord. There is nothing left for my lord except our bodies and our land.’” (Genesis 47:18) They openly admitted their helplessness, surrendered what remained, and trusted Joseph’s provision. Humility on display in Genesis 47:18 • Honesty—“We cannot hide…” • Recognition of need—“the money is gone” • Surrender—“our bodies and our land” • Dependence—looking to Joseph alone for survival Why this matters today • Everything we possess ultimately belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). • Genuine humility readies the heart to receive grace (James 4:6). • Admitting need breaks pride’s grip and invites God’s intervention (Luke 18:13-14). Practical ways to walk in humility • Begin each day acknowledging complete dependence on God. “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Hold resources loosely. View money, skills, and time as stewardships, not entitlements. • Confess shortcomings quickly—first to God, then to others affected (1 John 1:9). • Seek counsel instead of insisting on personal opinions (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Celebrate others’ successes without envy (Romans 12:15). • Serve in unseen tasks—clean-up crews, hospital visits, simple acts of kindness (Philippians 2:3-4). • Speak words that build up rather than showcase self (Ephesians 4:29). • Practice regular generosity; giving undercuts self-reliance (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). Scriptures to remember • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Philippians 2:5-8 – Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant…” • 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves… so that in due time He may exalt you.” • Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly with your God.” • Psalm 51:17 – “A broken and a contrite heart… You will not despise.” • Proverbs 3:34 – “He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.” Living out humility this week Recognize your limits, surrender what you cling to, and depend wholly on the Lord’s provision. As the Egyptians trusted Joseph, place your trust in Christ—confident that the One who receives your humble heart will also supply every true need (Philippians 4:19). |
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