SCRIPTURE: Genesis 41
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
“And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should 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.” [Genesis 41:33-36]
Joseph was both humble and wise; he demonstrates both confidence in God and cleverness in practical matters – this is a very good plan.
It makes me think of the dilemma often faced by Christians in ministry – do we plan or do we trust in God to provide.
This is not an either/or, we ought to do both – trust God and use our God-given smarts.
It is the Spirit that gives us gifts (including wisdom, creativity, skills) to fulfill our task.
The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” [Genesis 41:37-38]

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. [Matthew 10:16]
Jesus speaks of being shrewd; this is not a conniving activity (since they are to be innocent as doves) but a creative, clever way of working.
The snake needs to be shrewd, since it crawls on the ground as is easily trampled under foot; as servants of Jesus, we also take lowly places in service to Christ, and risk being trampled.
Therefore be shrewd, and innocent; trust in God as you do your work and use your skills for Him and His kingdom purpose.
Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [Matthew 10:17-20]
There is the Spirit again, helping us as we do what God calls us to do.

Trusting God does not mean that we are passive; we are to trust God as we do all that we can, using our abilities and skills and clever creativity to further God’s cause.
We are to be shrewd, clever, wise, using the Spirit’s gifts for God’s glory.
Being a Jesus follower is not a call to passivity or lack of worldly wisdom.
In fact some of the greatest leaders throughout history have been clever, shrewd Spirit-filled Jesus-followers who have, like Joseph, accomplished great things with God’s help.

PRAYER:
Lord, grant me Your Spirit of wisdom and ability, so that I can be a shrewd and innocent leader for You, fulfilling my task in Your kingdom in a confident, clever way!