Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man's money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them. (Gen 42:25)
If you are one of those who read the Bible from the start to the end each year, then you will soon run into money in Genesis 17. Our first introduction to money tells of purchasing people with it. While it appears to be a bad start for money, reading the context of Genesis 17 reveals a larger story of inclusion in Abraham's household ordained by God. In just a little time, a few chapters or so down the road of Genesis, Joseph uses money in a different way: He restores money to his brothers - they don't know it is Joseph at that time - by way of a blessing. Once again, money is not the main point in the story but only a useful device, a tool. The brothers are quite alarmed by their unexpected blessing, and they quickly return to Egypt to profess their innocence. Yes, to the very man they sold into slavery.
In this age, we face a temptation to make money the story, as opposed to a device used in the story. Money should be useful to us and not master of us. The world of course is quite interested in reminding us of money, usually through notice that we don't have enough of it. Whether it is the rich man who is never satisfied with his riches or the poor man who cannot pay his bills for having none, money tries to stand in the position of lordship. But Jesus is Lord, so we can't have money standing where it does not belong in our lives.
Jesus is Lord!Bucky
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