“At that time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, got up and predicted by the Spirit that a severe famine was about to come over the whole inhabited world. (This took place during the reign of Claudius.) So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.”
Some prophesy that God gives to His people is sovereign and is intended to be.
Some prophesy He gives is conditional and as both a warning and an opportunity for His people to heed their ways and amend or to make provision for and avert or take control of.
In the case of the prophesies that Joseph had there were opportunities within seven year windows for him to prepare and make provision for his family and the the Israelites to survive years of famine.
God is prepared to hold up His hands and halt and relent in a disaster if His people repent and turn.
“There are times, Jeremiah, when I threaten to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation or kingdom. But if that nation I threatened stops doing wrong, I will cancel the destruction I intended to do to it.”
There is much in the world atmosphere that appears to be heading for a collision point of a perfect storm or disaster such as the famine was in Joseph’s day.
It is probable that such a storm is unstoppable and it is therefore more relevant than ever for its prediction to be used as a preparation time for the church to be mindful in preparing to be ready and those equipped to be the resource to be called upon both spiritually and in good stewardship of resources.
It is crucial to store up for what is potentially coming.
To be the Goshen place.
“Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph to accompany him to Goshen. So they came to the land of Goshen.”
There is prophesy and wisdom in the one generation that partnered with the new generation brings righteous alignment, companionship, strength and success similar to the relationship between the knowledge of Naomi and the righteous purity and energy of Ruth. Symbiotic and mutually of benefiting to survive because they have cleaved together in partnership.
The Holy Spirit will uniquely lead those who are disciples of Jesus and position us to be providers. Just as the churches sprung into action in the pandemic to be part of the solution for those in need and who are still at the forefront of making a difference in present needs.
Just as Joseph was seated at the right table to have authority and power to meet the needs of all. The body of Christ is being positioned in places of influence to be similarly ready to turn the tables for out pouring and overflow provision and harvest together.
The illustration shows the hand that stops the storm, that holds the time, that has the provision, that rules and controls all things.
Four Scriptures that come to mind.
“At that time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, got up and predicted by the Spirit that a severe famine was about to come over the whole inhabited world. (This took place during the reign of Claudius.) So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.” Acts 11:27-29 NET
“I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight.” 1 Timothy 1:18 NET
“There are times, Jeremiah, when I threaten to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation or kingdom. But if that nation I threatened stops doing wrong, I will cancel the destruction I intended to do to it.” Jeremiah 18:7-8 NET
“Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph to accompany him to Goshen. So they came to the land of Goshen.” Genesis 46:28 NET
The song The In Between. Matt Mayer
Lessisgreater 