QT 12/19/2025 Gen 41:50–57, Being a player, not a spectator

Genesis 41:50–57 (ESV) —

50 Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore them to him. 51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” 52 The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

53 The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.”

56 So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.

 

NOTE: Joseph was not part of the line of the Messiah. He had two sons who would become major tribes in Israel, so in a sense, he got a double portion of the inheritance. From a financial position, his gain was multiple times greater than what he would have received as the eleventh son. But, that is not what is important. His role in bringing the messiah into the world was to save his family. Judah carried the seed, but Joseph was the key to their survival. Of course, God could have used any number of ways to save Israel, but he chose Joseph. And later, in an incredible display of power, he would uses Moses to bring his people back to the land.

 

God has a role for each of us. It may not seem like the most important because it is only a supportive role, but even those roles are tremendously important, as was Joseph's role. What is my role in the kingdom? Am I leading or supporting? Or worse, am I sitting on the sideline and just spectating?

 

PONDER:

1. What is my role in the kingdom?
2. What am I doing today to further the kingdom?

 

PRAYER: Father, my role today seems very minor. But I believe it is important and you are using me for good in the kingdom. Thank you and help me to remain faithful to your calling.