Read Gen. 45:23-28
Joseph sent 10 donkeys loaded with corn and bread and 10 donkeys loaded with the riches of Egypt back to his father. He knew they would need some proof for him to believe their story. When Joseph’s brothers told Jacob that Joseph was not dead but the ruler of Egypt he was faint. I wonder if that is how the Jews are going to respond when they see Jesus coming back as the victor of the world... the one they thought was just a prophet who died like all the other prophets. I’m sure it is going to take them a while to process the whole scene. No doubt the extra donkeys helped convince Jacob. Verse 27 says that when Jacob saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him in his spirit revived. Joseph had sent his own wagons for his father to ride back in. Since Jacob was so old I wonder if it wasn’t like a handicap vehicle with anything he could possibly need!
As Christians, we sometimes have a hard time understanding wealth and how to enjoy it when their are such dire needs all around us. Prov. 13:22 says that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. God desires that we prosper in proportion to the prospering of our soul so that when he showers down his blessings we will know what to do with them and how to use them for the kingdom. Joseph lived in lavish abundance but his surroundings didn’t snare his soul because he had been tested to be able to handle it rightly. Ps. 112 says that the man who fears the Lord will produce seed that will be great upon the earth. Riches and wealth will be in his house and he will be a light that shines in the dark times. He will be generous and lend to those in need and guide his affairs with discretion. He will not be afraid of bad news but he will set his heart to trust in God. He will give to the poor and his righteousness will honor God. The trick in riches is knowing how to hear from God and obey. The woman in the New Testament was reviled for waisting all that expensive perfume on Jesus feet when it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus said she chose rightly because she was following her heart. She anointed Jesus for his death. What an honor!
Lord, may what we be like perfume that welcomes your coming.
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