Don’t Just Stand There—Do Something!

Genesis 42:3  

So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt.

The famine Joseph had warned about had finally come upon Egypt and the surrounding regions. Jacob’s family was severely affected back in the land of Canaan. Jacob realized that to survive he would need to send some of his sons down to Egypt to buy grain (verse 2). The severity of the famine was enough to make Jacob look outside his brethren for help.

There was a sense of urgency in this trip to Egypt for grain. Before giving the instruction, Jacob asked, “Why do you look at one another?” We might say something today such as, “Well, what are you waiting for?” or “Don’t just stand there, do something!” They needed outside help and soon! 

Two important points can be drawn from this example:

  • It is helpful to address problems and issues quickly and not let them linger. We are told to be “redeeming the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5).
  • It is vital to never feel as though we are too good for outside help. We are told to work together with others (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

In the same way that Jacob knew he needed to take decisive action to find food, a Christian realizes that it’s important to change the aspects of his or her life that are not in alignment with God’s expectations. To learn more about the necessity of change, read our article “Change Your Life This Year.”

Tomorrow on the Daily Bible Verse Blog: “An Unsettling Reunion.”

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