What can we learn about stewardship from the Egyptians' response in Genesis 47:25? Verse in Focus “ ‘You have saved our lives,’ they said. ‘We have found favor in our lord’s sight, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.’ ” (Genesis 47:25) Setting the Scene • Seven years of famine have drained Egypt. • Joseph’s God-given plan has kept grain in reserve. • The Egyptians, now without land or livestock, come to Joseph and voluntarily place themselves and their fields under Pharaoh’s care in exchange for seed and survival. • Their response—both grateful and practical—reveals timeless truths about stewardship. Key Observations • Gratitude: “You have saved our lives.” • Recognition of Ownership: “We will be Pharaoh’s servants.” • Willing Submission: They freely choose service because they value the life and resources they’ve received. • Hope for Ongoing Favor: “We have found favor…”—they intend to steward well so favor continues. Stewardship Lessons for Today 1. Gratitude Fuels Faithful Management – Psalm 24:1 reminds us that “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” – When we realize our lives have been “saved” (Colossians 1:13), thankful hearts naturally ask, “Lord, how can I serve You with everything I have?” 2. Ownership Rests Elsewhere – Joseph holds Pharaoh’s resources; we hold God’s. – 1 Chronicles 29:14: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” – A steward manages, never possesses. 3. Service Is the Steward’s Signature – “We will be Pharaoh’s servants.” Likewise, believers present bodies “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). – True stewardship involves work, not mere custodianship (Colossians 3:23-24). 4. Wise Planning Honors the Provider – Joseph’s storage plan models prudence (Proverbs 21:20). – Stewardship looks beyond the moment—budgeting, saving, preparing for spiritual and material famines. 5. Submission Begets Sustenance – The Egyptians’ willing submission ensured ongoing provision. – Jesus links faithful stewardship with greater trust (Luke 16:10). – When we align under God’s authority, He supplies every need (Philippians 4:19). 6. Community Flourishes Through Shared Responsibility – Centralizing land and labor under Pharaoh created a system that fed an entire nation. – Generous stewardship supports the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Living It Out • Count daily “life-saving” mercies and thank God. • Revisit budgets: Which line items prove that God, not self, owns the purse? • Set aside a “famine fund” for unforeseen needs—yours or others’. • Offer time and talents in service—teaching, repairing, encouraging. • Hold resources loosely; hold the Provider tightly. • Expect favor not as entitlement but as grace, then steward it for His glory (1 Corinthians 4:2). |
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