For our Money Fails

‘Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly. Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” ‘ Genesis 47:9,27-28

Spending time in nature

Today’s outside activity is somewhat of a treasure hunt. In the story we are reading today, a whole nation surrendered their lives to purchase bread. We should all be so hungry for the word of God that we would do the same. Today go on a nature walk. Bring a basket or bag so you can collect little treasures along the way. Have everyone try to find multiple or a single thing in nature that you believe is valuable. Once you have found your priceless piece, place it in the basket or bag. When you are at the end of your walk or at home, pull each item out and have the treasure seeker say why they found it valuable. Talk about how everything in nature was made for us. Each trinket was created by God as a gift for us. 

Tip

Where your heart is, is where your loyalty dwells. Giving your heart to God is more than giving your money, God also wants your time. He wants to walk with you in the garden.

Do Something Creative

For todays activity create an assortment of coins that can represent some of the treasures that your are storing up in heaven. Flatten small balls of clay to your desired coin size. Use a toothpick or a small bobby pin to carve something that represents a treasure you would like to store in heaven. Talk about the treasures we will have in heaven. We’ll have the love for the word of God, a relationship with the God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. We’ll have time to do or learn anything we want.

What you will need:

• Air-hardening clay
• Metallic (gold) acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Assorted items that can be pressed into the clay

Family worship idea

For family worship, you’ll be reading Genesis 47. The Egyptians sell everything for bread. Remind your family how blessed you are to have simple comforts. Once everyone is sitting, hand out a simple piece of bread, cracker, or something small to eat. As you are reading, every time the family hears bread or food, they have to take an appropriate bite of their treat. They should have a small piece left by the end of the story. Once you’re done reading, they can finish their snack. Talk about how Joseph had to portion the food out over seven years of famine. Talk about how God’s word is our daily bread, and we are so blessed to be able to spend time in His word.

Personal thoughts

This chapter gives us small glimpses into bible prophecy through a subtle lens. During the famine, God’s chosen people were sent to a foreign land, a place to feed their cattle. Eventually, they lost everything, including their freedom. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me, if any man enters in, he shall be saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9). When Israel finally returned to the promised land and defeated all the tribes, they received their cities and pasture lands (Joshua 21). Jacob and his family were placed in the land of Goshen, a land of comfort and plenty. They were given bread according to the size of their house. While they were in Egypt, they were committing acts directly in contrast to their idol-worshiping neighbors. Israel would maintain their own customs but didn’t really impact Egypt’s religious practices until they were ready to depart. God promised them they would be here for 400 years until the Amorite’s iniquity was full. They were also promised they would leave this land with great wealth. (Genesis 15: 12-18) Our pasture is currently in a foreign land. Here some people are comfortable and have plenty of earthly treasures. Those who are storing up treasure in Heaven (Mark 6) will have everlasting wealth. All of us are foreigners searching for a pasture where we can keep our flocks safe and full. We live among wolves, and wolves in sheep’s clothing, waiting for the day we will return to our promised home. Throughout chapter 47, the people returned to Joseph and bartered for their bread. Eventually, Egypt owned their entire flock, all their land, and finally their body. We can not be bought we were bought at a high price. Our freedom belongs to Jesus, and so we wait in our small pastures of plenty. We care for our few sheep and know one day we may be in the foreground of the battle, and every victory God has been there for will give us the strength we need to defeat the giant.

Hiding His word in your ❤

‘ “Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ‘”

John : 1-4