The Seed and the Sower

Transcription

1 The Seed and the Sower

2 Genesis 47: And there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very sore, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. desolate.

3 Genesis 47: And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth. 16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.

4 Genesis 47: And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.

5 Genesis 47: When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:

6 Genesis 47: Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.

7 Joseph understood the law of selfpreservation. He knows that this law is magnified in the atmosphere of lack. In scarcity, people tend to panic and act out of desperation. It is at this point that their need and instinct for survival drives their decisions more than wisdom and knowledge.

8 He knew that the Egyptians, like many of us, had no reserves, no emergency funds, and very few resources that would sustain them in the midst of a crises, especially one that would last for 7 years. This is what made Joseph so valuable to Pharaoh - his wisdom and foresight, his ability to manage Pharaoh s resources; and while others suffered, he prospered.

9 They were so desperate that they voluntarily became slaves and sold their land because they had no seed.

10 Genesis 47: And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's. 21 And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof.

11 Genesis 47: Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands. 23 Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land.

12 Therefore, it is so important for us to manage our resources and make sure we are always producing seed rather than just eating the bread. God must give us wisdom and knowledge so that we don t make the mistake of needing instant gratification or self-preservation at the extent of losing the benefit of our land and becoming victims and slaves.

13 Listen to what Joseph says, I own you and your land and know I will give seed to the sower to keep you alive so that my land can prosper.

14 Luke 16:

15 Luke 16:

16 Luke 16:

17 Once again, Lazarus is poor, he lays by the gate waiting for someone to give him crumbs, and the dogs lick his sores while he waits to die and go to heaven. Notice what Abraham tells the rich man, If your brothers will not adhere to the word of God, follow his principles, embrace his kingdom, they will not believe someone who is raised from the dead.

18 Luke 16:

19 Luke 16:

20 2 Corinthians 9: Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

21 2 Corinthians 9: For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

22 2 Corinthians 9: And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

23 2 Corinthians 9:7-15 ESV 7 Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 Andy God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency* in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,

24 2 Corinthians 9:7-15 ESV "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

25 2 Corinthians 9:7-15 ESV 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you

26 2 Corinthians 9:7-15 ESV and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

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