Sermon Title: Faithful Stewardship in Difficult Times

Scripture: Genesis 47:13-26

Introduction

• Recap: Joseph's journey, highlights how God’s providence and Joseph’s faithfulness carried him through various trials: betrayal by his brothers, slavery in Potiphar's house, imprisonment, and ultimately his rise to power in Egypt. Throughout all these experiences, Joseph remained a faithful servant of God. This final sermon will focus on his role as a steward during the famine in Egypt.
• Context of Genesis 47:13-26: The severe famine is the climax of the story. Joseph, now in charge of Egypt's resources, is managing the crisis. Pharaoh has entrusted Joseph with the responsibility of saving the nation. In this passage, we see Joseph's wisdom in leadership and his faithful stewardship.
• Thesis: In times of crisis, Joseph models faithful stewardship, showing us how to respond with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. This passage challenges us to reflect on how we manage what God has given us, especially in times of difficulty.

I. The Severity of the Crisis (Genesis 47:13-15)

Explanation:

• Verse 13: The famine was so severe that no food was available throughout the land. Egypt and Canaan were suffering greatly. The people's desperation is emphasized by the detail that there was no bread anywhere, and their money was exhausted.
• Verse 14: Joseph collected all the money in Egypt and Canaan in exchange for grain, bringing it into Pharaoh’s house.
• Verse 15: Eventually, the money ran out. The Egyptians came to Joseph, pleading for food, recognizing that they would die without his help. The situation grew even more desperate.

Application:

• Relating to Modern Crises: Crises can take many forms—economic downturns, pandemics, personal hardships, etc. These moments often reveal our vulnerabilities and test our character. Ask the congregation to reflect on how they respond in times of crisis. Do they turn to God, or do they rely solely on their own strength?
• Trust in God's Provision: Just as the Egyptians turned to Joseph for provision, we should turn to God when we are in need. Joseph was God’s instrument of provision for the people, reminding us that God often works through others to meet our needs.

Point:

Crises come to everyone, but they are opportunities for God to work through us. Just as Joseph responded with faith and wisdom, we are called to rely on God’s provision and use the resources He has given us to help others.

II. Joseph's Wise Stewardship (Genesis 47:16-19)

Explanation:

• Verses 16-17: When the money was gone, Joseph didn’t leave the people to starve. He suggested they exchange their livestock for food. Joseph's approach was practical and compassionate. He didn’t take advantage of their situation but provided a fair exchange.
• Verses 18-19: When the livestock was gone, the people offered their land and themselves as servants to Pharaoh in exchange for food. Again, Joseph managed the situation with wisdom, ensuring that the people had what they needed to survive while maintaining order and stability in the nation.

Application:

• Stewardship of Resources: Joseph shows us what it means to be a wise steward of resources, even in difficult times. He didn’t hoard resources or exploit the people's desperation. Instead, he created a sustainable system that preserved the nation and ensured that the people could survive the famine.
• Applying Stewardship Today: Encourage the congregation to consider how they manage their own resources—time, talents, and finances. Are they using them wisely, especially in challenging times? Are they thinking long-term, not just about immediate needs but also about the future? Wise stewardship involves planning, generosity, and responsibility.

Point:

Wise stewardship balances compassion and responsibility. Joseph’s leadership saved a nation. How can we, in our own contexts, manage what God has given us to serve others and honor Him?

III. Joseph's Integrity and Compassion (Genesis 47:20-22)

Explanation:

• Verses 20-22: Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, consolidating power under Pharaoh’s rule. Yet, even in this consolidation of power, Joseph showed care for the people. He didn’t strip them of their dignity but allowed them to continue working the land, even though it now belonged to Pharaoh. He provided them with seed to plant crops, ensuring their survival beyond the famine.
• Priests' Exemption: Joseph also showed respect for religious practices by exempting the priests from the general population’s plight, ensuring their provision through Pharaoh’s allotment.

Application:

• Integrity in Leadership: Joseph had immense power, but he didn’t abuse it. He didn’t use his position to exploit others for personal gain. Instead, he acted with integrity and compassion, ensuring that the people were cared for. Challenge the congregation to reflect on how they use their influence and authority. Are they leading with integrity and compassion, or are they using their positions for selfish purposes?
• Care for Others: Joseph’s actions remind us of the importance of caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable. Are we using our resources and influence to uplift others and meet their needs?

Point:

God-honoring leadership seeks to uplift and care for others, even in difficult circumstances. Like Joseph, we are called to lead with integrity and compassion, using our power and influence for the benefit of others.

IV. The Result: A Grateful People (Genesis 47:23-26)

Explanation:

• Verses 23-24: After acquiring the land, Joseph established a system where the people could farm the land and keep 80% of the produce, while 20% would go to Pharaoh as a tax. This was a reasonable and fair system that allowed the people to sustain themselves while contributing to the state.
• Verse 25: The people responded with gratitude, recognizing that Joseph had saved their lives. They willingly accepted the new arrangement, acknowledging that without Joseph’s leadership, they would not have survived.
• Verse 26: The 20% tax became a lasting policy in Egypt, a sign of Joseph’s long-term impact on the nation.

Application:

• Gratitude in Times of Provision: The people's response teaches us about the importance of gratitude. Even in difficult times, they recognized that they had been spared and provided for. Often, we focus on what we lack rather than being grateful for what God has provided. Encourage the congregation to cultivate a heart of gratitude, especially in challenging times.
• Generosity and Gratitude: Gratitude should lead to generosity. When we recognize how much God has done for us, it should inspire us to give back to others. Just as Joseph ensured the survival of the people, we are called to use our resources to bless others.

Point:

Gratitude should be our response to God’s provision and the faithful stewardship of others. Like the Egyptians, we should recognize God’s hand in our lives and respond with thanksgiving and generosity.

Conclusion: Lessons from Joseph's Leadership

1. Faithful in Little, Faithful in Much: Joseph’s life shows that being faithful in small things prepares us for greater responsibilities. He was faithful in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and finally in Pharaoh’s court. God can use our faithfulness in small things to prepare us for greater tasks.
2. Trust in God’s Providence: Even in the darkest times, Joseph trusted in God’s plan. From his years in prison to his rise to power, he believed that God was in control. His faithfulness was a response to God’s faithfulness. Encourage the congregation to trust God’s providence, even when life seems difficult.
3. Call to Action: Challenge the congregation to be faithful stewards in whatever situation they find themselves. Whether in crisis or abundance, they should seek to manage their resources wisely, lead with integrity, and cultivate gratitude. God is calling each of us to be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us.

Closing Prayer

• Pray for wisdom and faithfulness as the congregation seeks to honor God with their lives. Ask for strength in times of crisis, wisdom in stewardship, integrity in leadership, and a heart of gratitude in all circumstances.