Prayer Journal
Saturday, October 28, 2000
Many times God uses ungodly people to demonstrate spiritual truth. Such was the case with Pharoah, king of Egypt. As ruler of the world's most powerful nation, God used Pharoah and his kingdom to teach God's people a thing or two about redeeming time.
Joseph was taken to Egypt after his brothers had sold him into slavery. They were not concerned with God or their father but only served their selfish interest. So they shipped Joseph off to a place known only to God.
God had plans for Joseph and He used Egypt to accomplish his purpose. Even though he was a Jewish slave, Joseph was raised in the house of a king and educated by the wisest men in the country. Though he went through trying times, Joseph would eventually serve in the highest position in Egypt under the king. The king learned to trust Joseph's discernment and Joseph learned to wait on God.
There was a time coming when the country would see famine unlike anything previously known. God informed Joseph that seven years would follow seven of the most wonderful years of blessing. Joseph was given responsibility to prepare the nation for the coming disaster.
Undoubtedly, people questioned Joseph's orders to increase the yield of the crops during a time when it far exceeded their need. But when the famine came and provision was safely stored away, Joseph was highly regarded. He had demonstrated the proper way to redeem time.
As a young father, I found it necessary to often work at home in the evenings to earn extra money. As a draftsman in the building industry I had a drawing board set up where I would work after the kids went to bed. Now, I also enjoyed singing at church and one my favorite songs was entitled, "Your Redemption Draweth Nigh".
One day my daughter was overheard telling some of our friends at church that "her daddy draws at night and sings a song about it". Today, our family still finds enjoyment thinking about that story.
Seriously, God wants us to know the time, redeem the time and be watching for His coming at any time. Are we? "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." Mat 24:42
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
