This provocative title was chosen by Mark as he continued his series on Joseph this morning, looking at Gen 46:28-34 and then at Gen 47:1-12. It might be said to sum up the Egyptians’ attitude to shepherds and sheep, which was potentially bad news for Joseph’s family, since looking after livestock, and sheep in particular, was what they knew best. However, God’s care for them meant that, rather than being condemned for their role and for the fact that their sheep would take precious grazing land in Goshen, Pharaoh not only allowed them to stay in this fertile land, but even gave them authority over his own herds!
The reunion between Joseph and his father Jacob after thirty long years of separation was obviously emotional, but it was also the fulfilment of the dream he had had as a teenager. Joseph is a vivid reminder to us that no matter how long it takes, God will fulfil His promises and purposes in our lives. As Hab 2:1-3 reminds us, we have to wait on God for the arrival of the vision; we have to keep on looking for God to answer, and must also learn to listen to Him. Writing down the vision as a reminder can keep it fresh in our own lives and help others to remember God’s promises. Not only do we have to wait for God, we must also wait for the vision to be fulfilled, recognising that there is an anointed and appointed time for God’s dreams to be fulfilled. God is not slow concerning His promises (see 2 Pet 3:9), but often works to a different timescale to ours!
God was able to turn the Egyptians’ antipathy and resentment to generosity and grace. He is able to do exceedingly more than all we ask or imagine (see Eph 3:20) and we need to learn to trust His ability to turn situations around and make us a blessing (Jacob, the elderly, wandering shepherd was the one who actually blessed the mighty ruler Pharaoh, not the other way around!) Joseph’s family eventually settled in Goshen, and were given permission to stay in that lush land. God’s provision for our lives lacks nothing and He is able to work all things together for good. (Rom 8:28)