Remembering whose we are

Joseph said to the people, “Understand today that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh.” (Genesis 47:23)

“You have saved our lives,’ they said. ‘We have found favor with our lord and will be Pharaoh’s slaves.” (Genesis 47:25)

Whenever I read those words, I can’t help but think of what Jesus did for us.

Like the Egyptians, we were dying, and Jesus purchased us for himself and his Father, saving our lives. (Revelation 5:9; 1 Peter 1:18-19)

Whenever the Egyptians gave the fifth of their harvest to Pharaoh, it was a time to reflect on Pharaoh’s goodness to them.

In the same way, whenever we give our tithes and offerings to God, it’s a time for us to remember his goodness to us.

But the awesome thing is that Jesus didn’t purchase us to become God’s slaves, but to become God’s children.

As Paul wrote,

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”

The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ… (Romans 8:15-17)

So with joy each day, let’s remember whose we are and honor him with our lives. As Paul also wrote,

You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)