Main Verse Genesis 45:1-20

Good morning!

Of all the words in the English language the word “Free” is the most troubling because it implies that there is “No cost” associated with the offering but there are “Got ya’s” that will come to the light when you least expect them. For the Israelites that “Got ya” was Goshen the place Pharaoh gave to the nation as a place to occupy. Because there was no contract and passing of payment, the land was reclaimed by the new Pharaoh and the Egyptian army. The occupants of the land were used as slave labor to build a monument to Pharaoh Rameses. In Economics, there is an acronym “There ain’t no such thing as a Free Lunch” or “TANTASFL” which implies that the choices we make always have a price associated with them (TANTASFL). Joseph’s brothers chose to sell Joseph into slavery only to find themselves bowing down before him fearing for their lives (Genesis 44:18-34). Choices are “Free” but the devil in the details “consequences” end up costing more than the choice we made because there is no such thing as a “shelf life”.

My encouragement for you today is that when you are going to make a choice you will ask yourself “What will this cost me, do I have the wherewithal to pay the price, and am I willing to bear the price alone?” (Luke 14:25-35).

I.H.S. MK

Father,

Choices are free and we as humans make them every day of our lives. The problem is always the “Consequences”. The Devil proclaims, just like the woman called “Folly”, come take my gifts free of charge and so we do just like the naïve young man in Proverbs (Proverbs 7:6-23). Please impress on my heart the need to make wise choices even if I have to stand alone just like your son Jesus. I pray for my family and friends today that you will watch over them and keep them safe. I pray especially for those who are dealing with medical issues and families dealing with troubled children that you will send them help from your sanctuary (Psalm 20:2).

In Jesus’ Name

Amen