Youth Worship 28th January 2023 : “You have saved our lives”
Text: Genesis 47:13-26
28 January 2023
YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE 14 January 2023
Scripture Text: Genesis 47:13-26
Message: “You have saved our lives” Genesis 47:25
INTRODUCTION
1. The severe famine in Egypt
a) It was very severe indeed
b) Everyone was hard-pressed
2. Joseph’s role
a) It was demanding
b) He had to come up with solutions time and again
COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY THE FAMINE
1. Egypt
2. Canaan Genesis 47:13
PAYMENT FOR FOOD
1. The food that Egypt sold had to be paid for
2. The money earned was given to the Pharaoh faithfully Genesis 47:14
3. Joseph was honest and upright in all his dealings
WHEN MONEY RAN OUT
1. The savings of the Egyptians ran out
2. They had no more money left to pay for food Genesis 47:15
BARTER TRADE
1. Joseph suggested a barter trade
2. The livestock of the Egyptians could be traded for food Genesis 47:16-17
a) Horses
b) Flocks
c) Cattle
d) Donkeys
THE PLEA OF THE EGYPTIANS
1. Their plight
a) They had no money
b) They also had no more livestock Genesis 47:18
2. Their offer
a) They would sell their land
b) They would become servants of the Pharaoh Genesis 47:19
AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE THE LAND OF THE EGYPTIANS
1. Joseph agreed to buy the land of the Egyptians Genesis 47:20a
2. All the different properties now belonged to Pharaoh Genesis 47:20b
ANOTHER WISE DECISION OF JOSEPH
1. He moved the people into cities Genesis 47:21
a) Easier to manage the population
b) Easier to care for the people
c) Easier for the protection of the people
2. The lands of the priests
a) Joseph did not buy them
b) They were also given rations
c) They were provided for Genesis 47:22
YET ANOTHER GOOD PLAN OF JOSEPH
1. He would provide seed for planting when the famine ended
2. The people would then return to their farms
3. The wise and careful plan of Joseph unveiled
a) The people must give 1/5 of their produce to Pharaoh
i) That’s 20%
ii) It represents an appropriate tribute to Pharaoh
iii) They would have perished without the support given
b) They may keep 4/5 of the produce
i) Food for the people and the families
ii) Grain for sowing
c) This became a law in Egypt
THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE
So they said, “You have saved our lives; let us find favour in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”
Genesis 47:25
1. They recognised that their lives had been saved
2. They responded by offering themselves as servants of the Pharaoh
3. Their response was marked by humility
a) They did not take the offer of service lightly
b) They would serve if only they were considered fit to serve
c) If they have found favour to be allowed to serve
CHALLENGES THAT ARE APPLICABLE TO US
1. To grow as Joseph did
a) In faith
b) In spirit
c) In wisdom
2. To serve as Joseph did
a) Diligently
b) Determinedly
c) Distinctively