Corn in Egypt
Today’s Verse:
Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. ~Genesis 42:1-2
Are you someone who is proactive or reactive in nature? People that are proactive are characterized by an aggressive, spirited, and zealous nature. They are people who desire to be ahead of the curve. They work with the intent of not letting problems and challenges overcome them, but rather attack the situation with a plan for accomplishment. Proactive people look at a situation with an end goal of accomplishment in mind. This morning we are looking at a passage of scripture that challenges us in the matter of being proactive.
We see an adverse quandary.
A widespread famine affected Egypt and much of the surrounding area. A famine is when there is a food shortage due to a long deficiency of rain and a loss of crops and animal life. When a famine occurs, people become desperate and go into survival mode. Famines pose a potential loss of life. No one was exempt from the effects of this famine including the patriarch Jacob and his sons. The immediate concerns people think about are “How long will this famine last?” “How long can our food supply last?” “Where can we get food to bolster our supply?’ Jacob recognized they faced a quandary. We must be circumspect with our lives and be ready to identify problems and challenges before they get worse. We must be careful not to ignore danger signals and warning signs. An ailment is best addressed when it is caught early and not too late.
We see an anxious question.
Jacob asked his sons, “Why do ye look one upon another?” Both Jacob and his adult sons heard the news that corn was available and for sale in Egypt. There was only one place where food was available and that was in Egypt. Jacob knew they faced a life and death situation. They needed to get to Egypt and buy some corn. Delay could lead to death. Why are you looking at one another and waiting to see who will go first? The same question can be applied to the spiritual life. We have a Father in Heaven Who desires to hear our prayers and answer them. Why do ye look one upon another? Come boldly to the throne of grace and find grace to help in time of need! We have a command to take the gospel message and the bread of life (the Lord Jesus Christ) to a world that is in need of salvation. “Why do ye look one upon another?” Go and make disciples of all nations! We might be at a place spiritually where we feel like we are drying up and lacking the dew of Heaven in our souls. Why do ye look one upon another? Let us come and dine in the Lord’s presence and replenish our souls. Don’t sit and wait for someone else to address the issue. Why do ye look one upon another?
We see an aggressive quest.
So, Jacob strongly admonished his sons to “get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.” He is telling them “let’s be proactive!” Let’s do something about the impact of the famine in our lives. Let’s get to work. Being proactive means you establish priorities. It means you establish a plan and determine how you will address the issue. Jacob’s sons saddled their donkeys, placed many storage bags for corn, and brought money with them. They determined to acquire enough corn to meet their needs. Being proactive means we move with a sense of urgency and zeal. Being proactive means we work when others are sleeping. Being proactive means we go the extra mile. It means that distance is not an obstacle. We realize we have a mission to fulfill. Paul said, “it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.”
Let us determine not to be reactive to the service of the Lord and to the needs of our spiritual life. Be zealously proactive. Decide to get ahead and not linger behind! Decide to conquer and not to be conquered. There is corn in Egypt: what are you waiting for?
Have a proactive God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Corinthians 9-11