| Series | Abundance and want |
|---|---|
| Theme | 2. Scarcity - Fa'aitiitia |
| Colour | Lanu Mūmū |
Scripture Focus: Kenese 47:13-25
There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails.” Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.” They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.” So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s. As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it. Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land. Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.” They said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”
- Genesis 47:13-25 (WEB)
Study:
This passage shows how Joseph managed scarcity during a severe famine. Despite the dire lack of bread throughout Egypt and Canaan, Joseph provided a system of exchange and stewardship that preserved life and land. Initially, money was used to buy grain, but when it ran out, Joseph accepted livestock in exchange for food. Eventually, when both money and livestock were depleted, people sold their land and themselves into servitude to Pharaoh in exchange for seed and sustenance, ensuring the continuity of agriculture and survival during famine. Joseph’s wise management transformed scarcity into an opportunity for order and preservation under God’s providence.
Application:
Today, scarcity can take many forms—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual. Joseph’s example reminds us to trust God and manage resources wisely in times of lack. It encourages us to seek creative solutions rather than despair, to share what we have, and to submit our needs to God’s providence. Like Joseph, believers are called to be stewards of what God entrusts to us and to encourage community support and mutual care during hardships. Understanding God’s provision empowers us to face scarcity with faith, hope, and practical action.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I respond when faced with scarcity or lack in my life?
- In what ways can I be a steward of God’s provision in my community?
- Do I trust God’s plan and timing during difficult seasons of scarcity?
- What practical steps can I take to manage resources wisely during hard times?
- How can I encourage others who are struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually?
Prayer:
Lord, in times of scarcity, help me to trust Your provision and wisdom. Teach me to be a faithful steward of all You have given and to share generously with others in need. Grant me faith to see beyond the lack and hope to persevere. May Your peace guard my heart and mind as I depend on You daily. Amen.
Tags: scarcity, famine, Joseph, stewardship, God's provision, trust in God, managing resources, Bible study, faith in hard times, Genesis 47