Do you ever think it’s strange when some people over compensate in other people’s presence, knowing that those other people really dislike them?
There is something inside us all that has that desire to be accepted, and yet what Joseph was asking of his entire family, was to go and settle in the land of Goshen, because the Egyptians hated shepherds – the very thing that Joseph’s family, and ancestors, had always done
Have you ever thought about why? Nothing that God calls us for is wasted. We know that God uses all things for good!
Yet, Joseph wanted his family to stand firmly on their identities, as shepherds, even though he could have quite easily asked Pharaoh, to give them roles in the army, or even government positions
However, Joseph was actually protecting the call on their lives and the opportunity for his family to become prideful. The Egyptians despised shepherds because it was deemed beneath them, but roles of position and power would have seen the Egyptians become envious of Joseph’s family and thus be tempted to lure them into worshipping false gods.
How easy is it at times to forget what God has spoken over our lives, when we are having fun in a worldly sense?
Goshen was also the closest to Canaan – the promised land, and so Joseph deliberately chose this so his family wouldn’t forget the land promised to their forefathers
Friends, no matter what we are called to, the Bible speaks about doing it well. Cleaning toilets, or leading a nation, comes with the same spiritual rewards when we do it to glorify God.
Therefore, do not be ashamed of where God has placed you – Joseph himself went from the prison to the palace when he focused on God, but the main point is, it is better to serve well in a lower position, then to become shameful in a high one, if it means wanting to sacrifice who truly you are, just to be liked by others
“We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, as our ancestors have always done.’ When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the region of Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds.”
Genesis 46:34
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