"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest" - Proverbs 6:6-8 (NIV).
Today it is common to hear of talk of "climate change"- a phenomenon often associated with change in weather patterns. If we go through Biblical history though we will find ample cases of climate change, as not something that started yesterday.
To start with one of the most pronounced episodes being the floods that spared only Noah and his family. "The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days. But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters recede" (Genesis 7:24-8:1).
Another episode of climate change was when God revealed to Joseph that a draught was coming. The story is Joseph helped Pharaoh interpret an upsetting dream. "Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout the land of Egypt, but seven years of famine will follow them" (Gen 41:29-30). What happened thereafter throws some clues still useful for us today. For Pharaoh was not a denialist or skeptic, which is common with some the moment they hear of "climate change"!
Paraoh heeded Joseph's advice "to collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine" (Gen 3
41: 35-36). In the end Egypt was not only spared of collapse from famine but came to rescue other nations, including Joseph's family.
Times have not changed very much since. There are always good times, rainy seasons; and scarce times of draught and leanness. The difference is only the length but these are the realities of living on earth. Fortunately to us believers we know what to do. During the good times we should save and store up for the lean times, just as Joseph guided Pharaoh. In that way we would become "lenders and not borrowers" a blessing to many in need.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, from your word you have tought us the principle of saving to help carry us through lean times, and I pray to live and practice it, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
