Genesis 41:50-57 Fruitfulness is like a float that helps us ride the waves of affliction

Genesis 41:50-57 Fruitfulness is like a float that helps us ride the waves of affliction

Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” 52 He named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

53 When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you shall do.” 56 When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

Background

The birth of Joseph’s sons gave some closure to his misfortunes and helped him look forward to a new beginning. The names that he gave his sons revealed the precious principles that he employed in the land of his affliction. Today’s devotion teaches us that fruitfulness is a float that helps us ride the waves of affliction

Observation

Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph.

The years following the period of bountiful harvest would test the veracity of Joseph’s predictions. Before the years of plenty came to a close, two sons were born to Joseph. The names given to the sons revealed the deep recesses of his heart. “Manasseh” is derived from “forget”. The accompanying explanation hinted at the grave injustices that he has put behind him: forget all my troubles. In the same breath, his relationship with his father’s household had undergone a fundamental change: forget all my father’s household. In attributing Hebrew names to his sons, and not Egyptian ones, he has in fact not forgotten his father’s household. As he would soon realise that change came by way of the manner that he related to his father’s household. Nevertheless, Joseph’s roots remained firmly grounded with Israel and the covenantal promise.

“Ephraim” is derived from “to be fruitful”. The explanation connotes praise towards the God who caused him to be exceedingly fruitful even in the “land of my affliction”. “Land of my affliction” represents Egypt and Canaan as both reminded him of the injustices that he suffered. That said, the sons’ names present a turning point of Joseph leaving the past to embrace the new.

So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread.

When the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, it is evident that Joseph had in his possessing a divine spirit. Pharaoh ratified Joseph’s authority as 2nd in command: “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you shall do.” God is indeed faithful to the word He has said through Joseph, and He will surely bring it to pass.

Truth

Fruitfulness is like a float that helps us ride the waves of affliction

Joseph has proven that his desire to be fruitful enabled him to ride the waves of injustice and come out a winner. What stopped Joseph from descending into the depths of despair and hopelessness was in fact fruitfulness. That which kept him afloat those 13 years of unjust treatment and cruel abandonment was the drive to be continually fruitful. Whether as a slave or prisoner, Joseph was on full throttle bearing fruit for his master. That said, how does fruitfulness translate into Joseph’s positive state of mind?

The desire to be fruitful causes Joseph to keep progressing and producing for the benefit of the world. This works in taking his eyes off his present predicament to focus on that which is outside of himself. The formula in staying afloat the waves of affliction is to continually take our eyes of ourselves and our afflictions. Joseph takes joy in actually seeing his masters prosper and things coming together in a meaningful order. By virtue of this unchanging principle that it is far more blessed to give than to receive (see Acts 20:35), Joseph’s soul was continually enriched by his diligence. The proverbs says,

The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. Proverbs 13:4

The riches within his soul overflowed so much so it became life and riches to Egypt and all the world: The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth. Nevertheless, it is hard to imagine how a deprived and mistreated person like Joseph can rise above his own circumstances from human effort alone. Joseph experienced such cruelty in the hands of his own flesh and blood; He was also punished for doing what was in the best interest of his master…. Is it possible for such a one to not curse God and die? However, God will not expose Joseph (or anyone for that matter) to tribulations without providing the grace to overcome.

We certainly know that the Spirit that was working in Joseph is also actively working in us. Jesus said,

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Surely, Jesus’s overcoming Spirit will strengthen us to be fruitful in the midst of tribulations. Though in the face of affliction, the tendency is to descend into self-pity, which cuts us off from the empowering Spirit. By reminding ourselves of God’s unchanging promises, and by actively becoming a blessing to others, we stay afloat the waves of affliction.

If a man submits himself unreservedly under God’s directives, the word he utters is the very word of God.

Joseph’s interpretation no doubt brought him a meteoric rise to power. But imagine the devastation if none of it came to pass. The Pharaoh would lose his reputation and Joseph would probably lose his life for deceiving the king.

However, Joseph’s confidence in his interpretation presupposes his acceptance of Pharaoh’s offer to promote him to 2nd in command. That said, what is the source of Joseph’s confidence? Joseph’s confidence lies in the fact that God does not allow him to utter a word of falsehood. When a man fears God and submits himself under divine directives without seeking his own glory, the word he utters is the very word of God. Concerning the prophet Samuel, God does not allow him to speak falsehood, “Thus Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail” 1 Samuel 3:19.

Jesus had another way of saying this, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5. If believers are prudent in subjecting their words and deeds to the lordship of the Spirit, they will bear fruit in all that they do and say.

The coming of the Holy Spirit has enabled believers to subject their bodies to the full reign of the Spirit. Thus, we are given the power to prophesy and bear fruit with our words and deeds (see Acts 2:17).

Application

Practice the lordship of the Spirit by being quick to listen and ponder, and being slow to speak and act. In so doing, we allow God to speak His word and to do His work through us. And it will soon be that the works that Christ does, you will also do, and greater works than these you will do. (see John 14:12).

Are you going through a personal tragedy or an affliction of sorts? Refrain from dwelling on the disappointments and the injustices but focus on being productive in your work. Fill your time with acts of kindness towards those who may need a listening ear or a helping hand. You will feel much better and blessed on the inside. As God exalted Joseph, he will exalt you in His perfect time.

Dear Lord, I thank you that you are no respecter of persons. You are the rewarder of those who respond to your promises in faith. Help me to take my eyes off my predicaments and focus on building the lives around me. As I learn to walk in your perfect will, restrain my tongue from falsehood and cause me to speak the truth in love. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.