Food for the World
Scripture Reading — Genesis 41:56-57
All the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph …
Genesis 41:57
Disasters have a way of putting things into perspective. No technology can defeat the fury of floods, famines, or hurricanes. We improve our responses, but if it’s all up to us, we’re doomed.
Famine was stalking Egypt and its neighbors. It threatened to consume the entire world. But Egypt was prepared. For seven years Joseph had managed the fields and had built and filled storehouses. All was ready for the time when famine would strike. Egypt’s resources were massive, but without Joseph’s wisdom the seed would have fallen into unproductive ground.
So the whole world was rescued from starvation by the righteous deeds of one man: the hated brother, the would-be plaything of Potiphar’s wife, the prisoner who was forgotten till Pharaoh had dreams. This great-grandson of Abraham was God’s unexpected instrument to help fulfill the promise “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3).
In this way the life of Joseph prefigured the life and work of the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ.
According to Scripture, the world is destined for fiery purification (2 Peter 3:10-13). No human technology can save us from that. Only heavenly technology can save us: believe in Christ. His storehouses are full, and his victory over death is complete.
Let me depend, Lord, on the storehouses you build, that I may be sustained for eternal life with you. May others also be blessed by your work through me, for your sake. Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
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