WHEN MONEY DO YOU NO GOOD

Genesis 47:15 KJV (WS)

And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.

Both at the beginning and at the end of this verse we are told the alarming truth that money failed.

The people ran out of money to buy food.

The phrase “money failed” has a chilling affect on those who have put their trust in money, but mankind needs to put their trust in God, not in money, gold, silver.

FIRST—WHERE MONEY FAILED

“Money failed in the land of Egypt.”

True, money also failed in Canaan; but the fact that it failed in Egypt is even more significant, for Egypt, at that time, was the greatest power, the greatest nation on the earth.

If there was any place where money should have durability, it was in Egypt.

In the place where money should have availed it failed.

Do not put your trust in money, for it will fail you where you think it will help you the most.

SECOND—WHEN MONEY FAILED

“Money failed in the land of Egypt.”

It was in a time of great crisis that money failed.

It was during a devastating famine in the land.

Money has its limits.

It is not dependable to help you in your greatest crisis of life.

But God is a different story.

Psalm 46:1 KJV (WS)

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

God gives help not only when the sun shines but also when the clouds and storms of this life overwhelm the soul.

“Trouble” does not limit the help God gives, but it can limit the help that money can give.

THIRD—WHY MONEY FAILED

“Money failed in the land of Egypt.”

Money failed because it is only temporal and material.

Therefore, it has its limits.

It is not the cure-all to all our troubles.

Money cannot do many things for us.

Some folk have lots and lots of money and think that with it, they can do anything.

But though some have much money they cannot stop trouble from coming into their life.

Furthermore, the redemption of the soul, the most important need of man, is outside the ability of money.

Psalm 49:6–7 KJV (WS)

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

FOURTH—WHAT TO DO WHEN MONEY FAILS

“All the Egyptians came unto Joseph.”

The Egyptians wisely went to Joseph when money failed, for Joseph could help them.

Here Joseph in figurative language represents the Lord.

When in trouble go to the Lord, is the exhortation of this text.

Joseph solved their problem of a lack of money.

Christ will solve our problems if we will only bring them to Him.

1 Peter 5:7 KJV (WS)

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

In time of trouble, the Lord can help you. When trouble overwhelms you, go to him for help. He will not fail you.