Manna 17 April 2024 BASIC SCRIPTURE
BASIC SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 41: 50 – 57
50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
FINISH READING: Our Daily Manna 17 April 2024 NOTHING IS SMALL! SAVE!
BASIC SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 41:50-57 (NIV): “Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, ‘It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.’ The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.’
The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food. When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.’
When the famine had spread over the whole country, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout Egypt. And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe everywhere.”
In these verses from Genesis, we witness Joseph’s rise to prominence and the fulfillment of God’s plans through him.
Joseph, who had endured years of hardship and suffering, was now blessed with two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Through the names of his sons, Joseph acknowledged God’s faithfulness in making him forget his past troubles and bringing fruitfulness in the land of his suffering.
As predicted by Joseph, the seven years of abundance were followed by seven years of severe famine. However, God had prepared Joseph for this moment, and he had stored up grain during the years of plenty. Because of Joseph’s wisdom and God’s provision, Egypt had food while famine ravaged other lands.
Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s wisdom and authority, instructing the people to seek Joseph’s guidance. Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians, demonstrating his leadership and foresight.
The famine was so severe that people from all over the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph. Through Joseph’s obedience and God’s guidance, Egypt became a source of salvation for many during the famine.
Encouragement for the Day:
These verses remind us of God’s faithfulness and provision even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Like Joseph, we may face challenges and hardships, but God is always at work, fulfilling His plans and purposes in our lives.
No matter what difficulties we encounter, let us trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom. Just as Joseph remained faithful to God and used his gifts to serve others, let us also seek to honor God in all that we do. He is able to turn our trials into triumphs and use them for His glory.
May we find hope and encouragement in the story of Joseph, remembering that God is with us in every season of life, guiding us, providing for us, and using us to fulfill His purposes in the world.
