EGYPT’S FAMINE – WHY?
BY DR. MERVYN ABREO
Because
of a famine, twelve brothers, sons of Jacob, were healed physically, emotionally
and spiritually.
They
obtained healing in totality i.e. in the body, soul and the spirit. And thereby
became worthy of becoming the forefathers of the twelve tribes, which united to
form today’s Israel!
THE FAMINE:
Pharaoh had a dream which could only be interpreted by Joseph, who was then a
slave. He prophesied that there would be seven years of plenty.
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Followed by seven years of famine.
(Genesis 41: 1-32).
Joseph advised that, during the seven years of plenty, storehouses should be built and
food conserved, to sustain them during the seven years of famine, that would
eventually follow. (Genesis 41: 33 – 36).
Because
of this, he was elevated in rank to become the second most powerful man in
Egypt, next only to the Pharaoh. (Genesis 41: 39 - 44).
Joseph’s
prophecy had come true!
HEALING THE BODY: During the famine, the people in the surrounding areas came to Egypt to
obtain grain. And so did the brothers of Joseph. Hadn't Joseph come earlier, and advised Pharaoh to conserve
food, Joseph’s entire house hold would have perished!
They were physically saved!
HEALING THE SOUL: Of all the sons of Jacob, Joseph was his favorite. He had also prophesied that the entire
household would one day bow to him.
Infuriated
with him, his brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites as a slave. But Joseph rose in position
and helped them during the famine. Ultimately, when he revealed himself to them,
they embraced and wept with joy. The brothers were now reconciled. And became
emotionally one!
They,
and their families, came and settled down in Egypt.
But
when their father Jacob died, they were afraid that Joseph still nurtured a
grudge against them. So they cooked up a story that, on his deathbed, their
father had instructed Joseph to forgive them.
Hearing
this Joseph wept. He realized how small minded they were. They even came and
threw themselves at Joseph’s feet willing him to make them his slaves.
HEALING IN THE SPIRIT: Joseph had not only been healed emotionally, but also in the
spirit. He had long since forgiven them.
He
reassured them that they had nothing to fear since he was not in the place of
God, and that they were safe, and that he would care for them, as well as their families.
(Genesis 50: 15 – 21).
The
spiritual cleansing of the twelve brothers began with the renewal of their
father, Jacob.
Jacob,
which literally means ‘deceiver,’ wrestled with God and wouldn’t let Him go
until He blessed him. (Genesis 32: 28).
As a result God changed his name from
Jacob to Israel. And his descendents are called Israelites till this day.
A SPIRITUAL CENTER:
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King Solomon temple:
The
temple built by King Solomon, in order to honor God, was the most magnificent structure
ever built. The gold, silver, bronze, as well as the precious stones, that went
to adorn it, were in absolute abundance.
But
where did all this come from?
A
few years after the death of Joseph, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites. And
kept them in bondage for over four hundred years, until God sent Moses to
deliver them.
But
when they left, the Lord saw to it that the Egyptians gave unflinchingly of
their wealth, which the Israelites carried away. (Exodus 12: 35, 36).
“He
(the Lord) brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold….” (Psalm 105: 37).
Let us learn by example. Whenever we
are blessed with plenty, always keep in mind the famines and trying times that usually follow!
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Dear friend,
I look forward to getting your
feedback. Do write in to me at:
drmervynabreo@gmail.com
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