Genesis, 47
3. And he asked them: What is your occupation? They answered: Re thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.
3. And he asked them: What is your occupation? They answered: Re thy servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.
Genesis 47 narrates the continuation of Joseph's story and how he helped Pharaoh save Egypt from hunger by administering grain sales. Joseph also helps his family to settle in Egypt by providing them with land and food. The five verses below were selected for their relevance with the topics covered in this chapter.
Proverbs 13:11: "The farm that proceeds from vanity will decrease, but those who gather it for work will increase." Joseph's example in chapter 47 of hard work and managing grain selling wisely to save Egypt from hunger is an illustration of how hard work and wisdom can result in prosperity.
Psalm 111:5: "It has been maintained to those who fear him; he will always remember his covenant." Joseph's help to his family is an example of God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises of protection and blessing to Abraham's offspring.
Ecclesiastes 3:1: "Everything has its certain time, and there is time for all the purpose under heaven." The moment Joseph was brought to Egypt, his rise to power, and the opportunity to save Egypt from hunger is examples of how God can use times and circumstances to fulfill his purposes.
1 Timothy 5:8: "But if someone is not careful of yours, and especially those of their family, it has denied faith, and is worse than the unfaithful." Joseph took care of his family, providing them with land and food, even after they were sold as slaves and suffered many difficulties.
Philippians 4:19: "My God, according to His riches, will supply all your needs in glory by Christ Jesus." Provision of food and land for Jacob's family is an example of God's faithfulness to meet all our needs.
“O mal não se vence com o mal, mas com o bem, que tem em si uma força sobrenatural.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina