The Famine of the Soul: Finding Sustenance in Times of Need
"¶ 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." - Genesis 47:13
The stark reality of hunger and need is vividly depicted in Genesis 47:13, where it states: "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." This verse lays bare the dire situation of the people in Egypt and Canaan. It illustrates not only a physical scarcity of bread but also a deep spiritual famine that can afflict humanity.
As we reflect on this scripture, we are reminded that just as there was no bread in the land, so too can there be moments in our lives when we feel emotionally and spiritually barren. The circumstances surrounding Joseph's rise to power and the ensuing famine highlight God's sovereignty and the importance of preparation. It was Joseph's wisdom, granted by God, that allowed Egypt to store up grain during the years of plenty. This foresight ensured that they could withstand the trials of famine.
In our lives, we can experience periods when we feel as if there is no bread—be it in relationships, finances, health, or spiritual assurance. In those moments, we must recall the principles that God teaches us through scripture and through the story of Joseph.
During the famine, the people of Egypt and Canaan were driven to their knees, quite literally fainting from the lack of sustenance. Their initial struggles serve as a poignant reminder that human attempts to secure their future can sometimes falter in the face of calamity. It brings to mind how often we try to find comfort and provision in worldly things—be they jobs, relationships, or material possessions—only to find those sources insufficient when real crisis strikes.
God uses these famines, whether they be literal or metaphorical, to draw us back to Him. When we come face to face with our inadequacies, we are invited to seek out the bread of life, Jesus Christ, who proclaims in John 6:35 that He is the bread of life, and that whoever comes to Him will never hunger, and whoever believes in Him will never thirst. Just as Joseph prepared Egypt for survival, we are called to prepare our hearts through prayer, scripture, and community, so that when trials come—be they famines or otherwise—we have built a reservoir of faith that will sustain us.
Moreover, let us not be forgetful of the fact that in the time of famine, the people also were driven to seek help from Joseph, who was a type of Christ in this narrative. They came to him recognizing their failure to provide for themselves. In the same manner, we must come to Christ in our moments of distress, humbling ourselves to admit our need for His provision—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We mustn’t overlook that sometimes, in our pride, we stubbornly refuse to acknowledge our need, believing instead that we can sustain ourselves. However, true life and sustenance come from Jesus alone.
In reflecting on the difficulties faced by the people in Genesis’ narrative, we are invited to introspect our own lives. Are there areas where we feel our provisions are lacking? Are we spiritually famished in any aspect of our lives? The story of Joseph teaches that preparation in abundance can help us weather periods of scarcity. More importantly, it points us toward the ultimate sustainer.
In conclusion, let us pray that during our own seasons of want, we may be reminded to seek nourishment in our relationship with Christ. Let us remember to store up for ourselves spiritual bread through scripture, worship, serving others, and seeking community. Just as Egypt became a breadbasket during a time of famine, may our lives be filled with Christ so that we overflow with His sustenance to the world around us, even in their times of need. Amen.
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Genesis 47:13 - "¶ 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."
"¶ 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." - Genesis 47:13
Genesis 24-47
Genesis 31:47 - "And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed."
Genesis 41:47 - "And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls."
Genesis 47:10 - "And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:8 - "And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?"
Leviticus 13:47 - "¶ The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a linen garment;"
Genesis 47:2 - "And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:12 - "And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families."
Genesis 47:16 - "And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail."
Genesis 47:27 - "¶ And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly."
Genesis 47:7 - "And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh."
Genesis 47:5 - "And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:"
Matthew 13:47 - "¶ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:"
"And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed." - Genesis 31:47
Genesis 47:28 - "And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years."
Genesis 47:21 - "And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof."
Genesis 47:31 - "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
Genesis 47:25 - "And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."
"And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls." - Genesis 41:47
Genesis 47:14 - "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."
Genesis 47:11 - "¶ And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded."
"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh." - Genesis 47:10
Genesis 47:3 - "And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers."
"And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou?" - Genesis 47:8
Genesis 47:30 - "But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said."
Acts 13:47 - "For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth."
Genesis 47:23 - "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."
Genesis 47:17 - "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."