January 23rd One Year Bible Readings

~ Click on this link for today's readings ~
Genesis 46:1-47:31 ~ Matthew 15:1-28
Psalm 19:1-14 ~ Proverbs 4:14-19

Old Testament - Today in Genesis Chapter 46 we read about Jacob and his family's journey to Egypt!  I really like that God speaks to Jacob in a vision at Beersheba - the same place where both Abraham and Isaac had worshiped God earlier in Genesis.  As Jacob was about to leave Canaan, God reaffirms his covenant promises.  Very reassuring for Jacob I am sure!  I wonder - sometimes in our lives - as we are about to embark on something big:  Maybe a new ministry.  Maybe a mission trip.  Maybe a new job.  Maybe a new marriage.  Maybe a new child.  Does God speak to us?  Does God reaffirm his love to us?  Does God tell us that he will be with us on this new thing - as he did to Jacob in this chapter?  I can't say that I've verbally heard God speak to me during times of big change in my life.  But, I have most definitely sensed amazing peace many times during big changes in my life.  I do try to pray more than ever during times of change.  I try to stay as absolutely close to God as I possibly can.  Maybe I'm kind of like a scared child trying to huddle up to my heavenly Father during times of change.  Which I am cool with.  :)  And - it seems almost without fail, God does "speak" to me with a peace that surpasses all understanding.  If the peace is not there... then I do begin to worry if what I am doing is really God's will for my life.  If the peace is there - I know without a shadow of a doubt that what I am embarking upon is God's will for my life.  I will say this - that even if I cannot discern or sense the peace during a time of change, I still do not doubt that God will be with me.  That he will not leave me.  That he will be there.  Do you believe that God is with you always?  That he will go with you wherever you go?  Below is a wonderful engraving by Gustave Dore of Jacob traveling to Egypt:

Verses 33 & 34 stood out to me in today's readings, as Joseph gives his brothers this instruction: "So when Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation, tell him, `We have been livestock breeders from our youth, as our ancestors have been for many generations.' When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the land of Goshen, for shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt."" I like Joseph's wisdom here.  I guess you could look at this as Joseph being manipulative of Pharaoh.  But I don't really see this.  I see that Joseph is telling his brothers what to say - which is true - and that this will allow the nation of Israel to begin to grow and flourish in the land of Goshen, removed from the cities of Egypt.  It seems like Joseph is definitely catering to Pharaoh's generosity - "let your family come to Egypt!" - and Pharaoh / Egyptians prejudices - "shepherds are despised in the land of Egypt."   For a win / win.  It's a Stephen Covey win / win business principle here!  :) Below is a map showing Jacob's family's journey from Canaan to Goshen:

In Genesis chapter 47 I find it very interesting that Jacob blesses Pharaoh twice.  I haven't studied why this happens.  My thought is that Jacob is indeed very appreciative of this current Pharaoh - for literally saving the Israelites by allowing God to move mightily through Joseph.  We will see soon that there are future Pharaoh's who are not so kind to the Israelites...  So, perhaps Jacob realized that this Pharaoh was deserving of two blessings.  Let me know your thoughts on these blessings in the Comments below?  Below is an image of Jacob blessing Pharaoh:

We then read about Joseph's leadership and business skills during the famine - as things get really bad with the famine and people are on the brink of starving.  Overall, I initially thought that Joseph was making wise decisions that ultimately ended up saving lives - and in verse 25 the people said the same thing.  However, I have one good friend who was in a Bible study with me who felt that Joseph was being way too harsh.  I can see both sides... :)   Did Joseph have other options / ways to do this?   We actually got into quite a heated discussion on this point in our Bible study on this topic a couple of years ago.  What do you think?  During this time of extreme famine, was Joseph being too harsh or being wise and even being compassionate?  Below is a Victorian era painting from 1874 by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema titled "Joseph, Overseer of the Pharaoh's Granaries":

Okay, I have to say that I absolutely love Bob Deffinbaugh's humor over at bible.org!  Check out his commentary on Genesis chapter 46, with the awesome title of "Life Begins at 130" at this link.  I love it!  Bible.org's commentary on Genesis chapter 47 titled "A Proper Perspective of Poverty and Prosperity" is at this link.

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 15 today we read about Jesus confronting the Pharisees on their "age-old traditions."  I read in Zondervan's & Tyndale's commentaries that after the Babylonian exile (we'll read about the exile late this year in the One Year Bible), Jewish rabbis began to make meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of people.  And that these rules were added to God's law and were essentially elevated to the same sacred status by the Pharisees.  In 200 A.D. these traditions of the elders were put into writing in the Mishnah.  I think what Jesus gets at here in this chapter is that the Pharisees were allowing the "rules & regulations" to overshadow the spirit of God's law.  They were not honoring their parents because of the practice of Corban - giving $ to the temple.  Which, giving $ to the temple is a good thing... but at the expense of the great thing of caring for your parents?   I know we all could probably go round and round on what is the greatest good - how should we spend our time and our money and our lives.  I like that Jesus basically takes it to the heart.  What is the heart of the matter?  No matter what the matter is - taking care of your parents, giving to your church, obediently following God's will, receiving God's grace - what is the heart of the matter?   One thing that I have been so blessed to learn over the past few years is that the condition of our hearts matters.  Immensely.  The motives of why we do something - anything - matters.  Immensely.  We are called in Proverbs to "guard our hearts, for it is the wellspring of life."  If we do not care for the state of our hearts, we can become very regimented or insensitive in our thinking and doing.  We might even get to the point in verse 8 of this chapter where Jesus quotes from Isaiah: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away."  How is the state of your heart today?  Is it close to God?  Does your heart yearn for Jesus?

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of what is in our hearts in verses 18-20 today: "But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you."  I think this takes us back again to the Sermon on the Mount - where Jesus teaches us in one example that yes, it is wrong to commit adultery.  But, if you commit adultery in your heart, it is just as wrong.  Because if you commit adultery in the heart, you have defiled your own heart.  And from the heart could come the actual act of committing adultery - which would then shatter several lives.  But it all starts in the heart....   So - the good news?  Jesus can heal our hearts!  Jesus is in the business of heart-healing!  Maybe in your life, you might need to refocus from some external actions and start focusing on the state of your heart?   Maybe by focusing on what's going on inside your heart, the external actions will ultimately change?   Maybe allow Jesus to heal your heart - and then your external life will be healed as well?  I'm not sure you can go about this the other way - trying to work from the outside back in...  I think you need to start on the inside first and work your way out.  But don't do this alone - let Jesus walk this healing path with you.  Let Jesus tattoo your heart with his healing love!  (very interesting name of the theater in the image below, based on our Genesis readings today... :)

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 15 titled "Jesus and the Traditions of the Elders" is at this link and "The Faith of a Canaanite Woman" is at this link.

Psalms - Today we read Psalm 19, which is one of my favorite Psalms! In large part this Psalm is one of my favorites because one of my former pastors taught from this Psalm 3 a few years ago in such a powerful way. Have you had this type of experience? Where you hear a sermon on a chapter of the Bible and then that chapter becomes one of your favorites? I do hope that this One Year Bible experience will allow you to tune-in a little bit more whenever you hear your pastors or ministers or priests teaching you from the Bible in church. I know this is the case with me. Thanks to reading the Bible each day, I now have better context of what is being taught from the pulpit and it makes going to church a richer experience overall. I also now often catch some Bible verses in the worship songs or hymns we sing as well. And this adds a lot to my worship of God now through music. This year, as you go through the One Year Bible and as you go to church, will you tune-in to the sermons and the songs in church more than ever and look for and appreciate how they tie in to the Bible?

Back to Psalm 19 – I do encourage everyone to really read through and meditate on every verse in this Psalm of David and how this Psalm might be speaking to you this week. Please do take a few minutes to go through the Psalm twice if possible and really reflect upon it. You may even want to journal to God some thoughts or ideas or prayers that come to you through reading this Psalm. I find verse 14 in this Psalm to be so powerful – again in large part because one of my former pastors often sang a worship song that simply repeats this verse over and over again – and what a beautiful prayer it is for each of us to repeat over and over again as well: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart pleasing in God’s sight? Is God your Rock? Is God your Redeemer?

Bible.org's commentary on Psalm 19 is at this link. 

Proverbs - Proverbs 4 verse 18 reminds me of Psalm 19! "The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day." See the parallel?  Is your life shining ever brighter as you go forward in life?  Are you shining ever brighter for those around you?  Are you loving and blessing those around you more and more each day?  Are you moving forward toward the full light of day?

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  In Matthew 15 verses 10 & 11 today we read: "Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.""  Do you agree with these words of Jesus'?  Are you cognizant of the words that come out of your mouth on a moment by moment basis?  Have you ever had to conscientiously change the words that come out of your mouth because they were not blessing others?  Do you use profanity?  (or am I being a Pharisee by even asking this question... :)  I think it's a fair question - does profanity come out of your mouth?  Do you think this is pleasing in God's sight? (Psalm 19:14)  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

Comments

[Kim]

I'm a new (and grateful!) Christian so this is my first read through the entire Bible. It's also my first comment on this Blog. I'm in the habit now of reading first thing in the morning, after praying and I usually read sitting in my "prayer chair" in my bedroom. I'm reading a Tyndale NLV One Year Bible - I still like the "feel" of paper.

I'm so enjoying this incredible journey! The Blog is so helpful in reflecting on what I've read. This journey for me, so far, has been a bit of a roller coaster of emotions - Joy, anger, admiration, love, disgust, laughter, bewilderment, sadness and triumph - It's been a long time since I've ever had anything capture my mind, heart and soul like reading the Bible has. I marvel at how at my age, I am delightfully learning in such a child-like manner.

I've loved the story of Joseph! I admire his character and how he was able to appreciate the BIG picture and give God all the glory. Great lesson for me in staying positive and focused.

Psalm 19 moved me almost to tears. It was so beautiful! I, along with many others, understand that experience of witnessing that indescribable, perfect beauty that He creates all around us - everywhere - when we take the time to really notice. Those moments are precious to me and before I ever knew God, He was showing Himself to me. Now can I praise him and I desire to be in a right relationship with him and don't want jeopardize that. Poetic justice to His glory!

[jen]

I have heard God speak to me in a very audible to my ears voice. He commanded me to do something very important. I don’t talk about this much as I have had people in the past doubt me. However, I believe what I heard was the voice of God.

In Genesis 46:29 I understand that Joseph really missed his dad

I had to laugh when Jacob tells the king that he has ONLY lived 130 years. To us these days that is a lot.

Matthew 15
Be ever vigilant the state of your heart. Always make sure it is clean and wholesome. Living and yearning for God.

Psalm 19
1The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done.
I often look around me and think God is the greatest artist ever. Recently I have been thinking about how awesome it is that people across the world have told me they have seen the comet McNought and I too have heard people in my own country having seen it. God really is awesome with the way he has created nature.

11By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded.
What a wonderful verse. He warns us what is sin. By living His way we are rewarded with more than we could ever want or need

[Gina]

Does God speak to us? Does God reaffirm his love to us? Does God tell us that he will be with us on this new thing - as he did to Jacob in this chapter? - Absolutely YES! God speaks to us in a number of ways. The question is are we listening? God reaffirms his love and is always with us btu sometimes we can get so caught up in "us" that we turn a deaf ear to Him. I believe by reading the Word daily and spending time with God will help us to hear God's still small voice. I do believe that He opens and closed doors for us in His perfect timing. There are several things right now in my life (husband's job, a baby) that God is just saying "wait" - but I have a peace about waiting (most of the time...LOL!) - It's when I get my eyes off Jesus that I get all anxious again. His peace is amazing.

Psalm 19:14 is awesome! I used to have a real problem with profanity and thankfully that is one of the first areas God "cleaned" up in me! I still have to stop and think before I speak. I tend to be a bit harsh in my words...brutally honest, if you will. Ahhh...the gift of prophecy! God wired me this way so I know it's okay to an extent, but I'm finally learning how to be honest and loving at the same time....what a journey!

[Cherie B.]

I've been so excited about this opportunity to read thru the Bible with all of YOU! I love the interactive ability! Mike, thank you for your efforts & thought provoking questions.

One question: We are told in Matthew 10:5 that the disciples were to go first to the Jews. 10:6 "Go to the lost sheep of Israel."
Again Jesus states Matt. 15:24 "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of Israel."

So, at what point did Jesus open his ministry openly to the Gentiles? Does any one know this? Was there a turning point? I'd appreciate any input. Thank you!

[Mae]

I do hope that this One Year Bible experience will allow you to tune-in a little bit more whenever you hear your pastors or ministers or priests teaching you from the Bible in church. I know this is the case with me. Thanks to reading the Bible each day, I now have better context of what is being taught from the pulpit and it makes going to church a richer experience overall. ~ Ohhhh, you have no idea!!!!! I'm so proud of myself!!!! A couple of years ago, when I felt that I needed to get more out of myself and my life, I started to look for Jesus Christ. From time to time I tried to read the Bible but it was just too hard. I tried different books, different part, different pages, verses etc. But I just didn't understand what it was about. It's so weird, even the stories from Noah, Jozef and Moses were hard to read. Since my rebirth and since I join this Bible-study I have come to know so much more about the Bible! I actually understand what I'm reading! Sure, I bump into things that are hard, but over all I understand what I'm reading and I can treasure it in my heart! I'm so proud when my pastor mentions verses from the Bible during the service and I know exactly where he's talking about and I've been reading it not too long ago! I'm all like "Yes... I know where you're talking about!!!". It's wonderful to experience this all! It's a wonderful journey and I love being able to use all the wisdom in my life. I can feel myself grow every day and it's all because of God and His wonderful word!

Verses that stood out for me were from Matthew 15.
11 "It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth".
18 "But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you".
19 "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander".
Proverbs 4:19 "But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over".
All these verses kind of match together ... I feel that the unsaved mostly don't know what it's like to be God's child. Not too long someone thought that me being a Christian included: not watching tv, not listerning to rock music, not to drink. Funny thing that I talked about it with my pastor right before this, he told me it's not nesecerally ( I still don't know how to spell it!!) to stop watching tv ... it's to know when you want to stop watching that particular show, when the thoughts come or when the cursing come. You know when you want to stop watching that show. Some of the unsaved just don't know ... and that's why they have no idea what they are stumbling over. They think to be God's child means that you HAVE to stop doing things. While they continu thinking that they have no idea what they are stumbling over ... stumbling while all things come from their heart like evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander ... So sad ... And they probably try to talk all this wrong, right ... even more sad... They truly need to make the decesion to walk with God ...

[Brandie]

Ahh it feels great to be back. I got a new fan in my computer and Jesus had me take care of some buisness that needed to be taken care of and now I feel as if I am a better person for relieving myself of my sins. Ever get that feeling??

I spent it with my family, school started and little E is in school and mommy will be teaching next week and time will be valued with the family but I have prioiritzed myself, I have a calendar and Jesus will take care of us as he always does. But this snow to drive in makes one tired. I hope tomorrow I can rest.

I sure missed being with my "Mae and my jenny" :) but enjoyed your emails :)

Of course God speaks to us all the time. He speaks to us through a dream, in our conscience. I believe God is with me always. If I didn't I don't think I would be here writing this. I know I would be scared all the time. Who would I have to look up to?

My heart is close to Jesus and I yearn for Jesus every day. I think I would be lost without Jesus everyday now that I look for the Bible for answers for my questions. I mean I have a lot of questions for Jesus when I get to Heaven's doors. :)

Profanity: yes i am not ashamed I use it sometimes when i stump my toe or something happens that hurts my feelings. Jesus doesn't like to hear those things and I don't like for my little boy to repeat them so we have a rule in our house we don't say the "d" word or the ultimate no no word. so we don't cuss in our house at all..or we try not to cuss..and therefore our little man doesn't use it.

[Sarah]

Mae- Necessarily- it's N.ever E.at C.hocolate. E.at S.alad S.andwiches ARILY - Least that's how we remember in England!! ;o)

Sorry I know that wasn't particularly spiritual but I just had to share it, it's really helped me and now I can spell the word every time ;o)

Haven't really got anything to add/share on todays readings but I have to say I'm really enjoying this, although I am struggling to manage the full four every day. I've been a Christian for years, since I was a little girl but my knowledge of the bible is very poor and I've always "put off" reading it all the way through. I'm so glad I did this year and for the first time ever the Old Testament is really coming alive for me (thanks to the Blog and the commentaries) I'm finding it so interesting and God is really speaking to me, especially through the life of Jacob. Thanks ever so much for dedicating the time you are doing to this Blog it's been really helpful to me.

[Keysha]

Hi Kim. I feel like a new Chrisitan since I just recomitted my life back to Christ. I actually got saved back when I was 16 years old, 16 years ago and that was the end of that. I didn't take it any further. Early last year I just gave up. My life was in shambles and I just surrended and said, Ok, Lord I cannot do this without you so please just take over and that is exactly what He did.

I have been enjoying the ride every since. I was so excited when I found this blog as well it has been so helpful. I am determined to get thru the whole bible this year. Last year I did not even make it past Genesis, LOL.

As for profanity. I used to cuss like a sailor as mom & dad did while growing up but I have to say that I am so happy because that seemed to have been the first thing that I was delivered from. Thank you, Lord!He is working on my husband, LOL!

Mike, you are AWESOME!

[Pat]

JOSEPH AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF GRAIN:

Mike, what Joseph did was quite remarkable for that time. First of all, the grain belonged to the Pharaoh and it wasn’t his to give away. Secondly, the Pharaohs of that time were businessmen who never gave anything away without getting something in return. The only reason that he gave to Joseph’s family was because of the profits he was getting from Joseph’s management of all of Egypt and he also expected the men in the family to take care of his livestock as well.

Now for the actions of Joseph – first he sold grain for money and turned over all the money to Pharaoh. Next, he traded grain for livestock because there was no more money and he gave all the livestock to Pharaoh. After the money and the livestock were gone, he traded grain for their land and servitude. The land was given to Pharaoh along with the pledge of their servitude. At this point we see God working through Joseph because the people no longer owned the land but they would be tilling the soil and raising the livestock. They were given the food they needed to sustain them during the remainder of the famine and they were assured that from that day on they would get to keep four-fifths of everything produced on the land. The Pharaoh owned the land, the livestock, the seedbed, everything – but – he was only going to collect one-fifth of the profit from the land. That was unheard of in that day. Matter of fact, it is still unheard of in this day. What business do you know of today where the worker(s) get to keep four-fifths of the profits and the owner(s) only get one fifth? No wonder the Egyptian people praised Joseph for saving them!!!

God Bless!
Pat

[John]

Walking on water

Matt 14:25
"During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake." NIV

[a repost from last year]

Although gospel of John is not a synoptic gospel, it too includes the story of feeding of 5,000+. Included in the recount is this verse:

"Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself." - John 6:15

The Jewish people were waiting for a Messiah that would be a king, sit on David's throne, and throw off the yoke of Roman oppression. They were expecting a MAN, to many the idea of God coming in Man's body was not possible. The simple reason was: God would become corrupted if in a man's body. Maybe they were influenced in this thought by Greek and Roman mythology - I don't really know?

So the Crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force, and since the Disciples were also Jewish I maintain that they also were caught up with this idea of Jesus as king.

Jesus went up into the mountain, but he also made, constrained, forced the disciples into the boat (matt 14:22, mark 6:45) (Gk. Anagkazo). My conjecture is that he wanted to separate his disciples from the train of thought going on in the crowd.

Perhaps in Jesus' quiet time on the mountain, he prayed for the crowd, but I think he was praying especially for the disciples. When the time was right, in God's will and led by the Father, Jesus came to the disciples "walking on water". Perhaps to show them AGAIN that he was not purely a MAN but Deity.

I always marvel at how the disciples saw all this evidence of the deity of Christ, but in times of stress or tumult would waver in their understanding. (Just like us???)

The important point here is Jesus did not perform this miracle off the cuff, but consulted God the Father in prayer. Just like we should do, especially during pivotal times in our lives.

[John]

Cannanite Woman

Matt 15:21-28

[a repost from last year]

Hardly anyone ever comments on this passage. Some that do actually criticize the Lord for being too harsh.

Only use of Canaanite in New Teastament. A Gentile people despised by Israel. She knows she is going to be embarrassed yelling after Jesus (a Jew), and she does it anyway. "Dog" was the common derogatory term applied to Gentiles by Jews. She accepted the term and even applied it to herself.

"Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith!" The only time in gospels that great (Gk. megas) is used in regards to faith. This Canaanite "dog" woman believed Christ was the Son of David, and could heal her daughter. She would not take no for an answer.

Samuel Rutherford perceptively wrote: “It is said he answered her not a word; but it is not said,
he heard not one word: these two differ much. … his not answering is an answer, and speaks thus, ‘Pray on, go on, and cry; for the Lord holdeth his door fast bolted, not to keep out, but that
you may knock and knock.” [The Trial and Triumph of Faith, 115]

[Lisa]

The Lord has been dealing with me on just this area, the tongue. In other words think before you speak. You can uplift someone or damange them. Choose what is right. Thank you for this good teaching.

[Jenny]

i like what you wrote Bible dude about reassurance in God's peace for our decisions...and about feeling like a scared child running to God in times of change. I sure do!
I read the text before reading the blog....i didnt think Joseph was being harsh. I believe God gave him wisdom, as he was in charge of Potapher's lot, he was a businessman, but he showed compassion for the hungry. What was their response? in v. 25 "You have saved our lives," they said. "May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh." They were grateful!
Definately our heart matters...thats what God is looking at! my actions, words, can be whatever i want them to be, but not before God....He sees my motives, my heart. I need to constantly pray for a clean heart because my heart cannot be trusted!
Ha, one of my pastors was going over this years back and He pointed out how Jesus put the Pharisees right in their place, He called them for what they were (cause He knew their hearts/motives), hypocrites, a brood of vipors, etc. My pastor said, due to the whole tolerance movement today, people would now say to Him, "now Jesus, that isnt very Christ-like!" haha.

I definately agree with what you said about hearing pastors teach on scripture we read and songs, it makes it all the more richer! Often times I will be reminded of things I have heard from pastors...they stick in your mind and are recalled when you read that section. It completely enhances your BIble reading experince. I often listen to KWAVE 107.9 and hear teachings on the BIble, along with church on sunday and wednesdays. Its an awesome way to grow. Yes, even songs...its funny how you realize where the artists got their lyrics, 'oh! from that passage!'

I like Ps. v14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
amen!
Prov stood out also. V 19 "But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." :( how true!

oh, and i used to have a fowl mouth! really bad, it was out of control. I tried to control it, but couldnt. Notice "I" tried to control it. I had to give it over to the Lord and He healed my heart in that regard...not saying i dont slip up now and again, but I detest when I hear that language, especially if it comes from my mouth!

[John]

Joseph

The Son saves the remnant.

Gen 47:10
"Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence." NIV

"Pharaoh acknowledged Jacob was a man of God by accepting his blessing. In the Egyptian religion, Pharaoh himself was thought to be a god. They considered Pharaoh the human embodiment of Ra, the sun god. This means that it was remarkable that he allowed Israel to bestow a blessing on him." - David Guzik

I may be wrong here, but I see something in Joseph's handling of the Egyptian state during the famine.

Perhaps it is a picture of salvation process, or relying on God.?? The Egyptians know about the prophecies (they must have!), and refused to store up on their own during prosperous times. Just as sometimes we as Christians ignore God and go our own merry way when prosperous.

Times are tough - they turn to Joseph. We turn to God.

They go through money, livestock, and finally submit themselves to bondage. We may go half-hearted, and then a little more, before we totally submit and recommit to God.

Egyptians are taken care of - God extends grace to us so that we can bear fruit for Him.

May be a bit far-fetched, and I think the words can be played with to also get a picture of Salvation. However, I think it plays into the concept of relying on, trusting in, and depending on God that I am looking at this year.

Need to ponder it some more :).