"A Prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it". Proverbs 22:3
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
TEOTWAWKI Economics
A lot has been written about charity during a time of crisis. Most of us believe in storing extra, with the express purpose of sharing our subsistence in times of trouble. Many have put food and equipment away for family members that don't yet see a need. Still others make it a habit to stock extra supplies for whoever they may encounter. But where does charity end and TEOTWAWKI Economics begin?
Recently, as I was making my way through Genesis, I found the answers to the questions of TEOTWAWKI Economics. Most of us know the story of Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery, he became favored in Potiphar's house, Potiphar's wife accused him of molesting her, Joseph was sent to prison. In prison, Joseph earned the favor of the Guard, made friends with the inmates and interpreted their dreams. Joseph then stood before Pharaoh, rightly divined his dream and became ruler over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. Seven years of plenty came. Joseph built storehouse and procured massive quantities of corn and other fodder. He gathered when the harvest was abundant. Then, of course, came seven years of famine. As the plague of famine threatened to overrun the land, Joseph opened his storehouses. He was steward of Pharaoh estate and managed, with wisdom, the selling of provisions to the famished people of Egypt and the surrounding areas.
The SELLING of provisions is key. He did not give the corn away, he sold it. First, he sold food for money. When the money ran out, he took cattle in exchange. After the cattle, it was horses, flocks and asses. Then came the fields. Joseph bought EVERY man's fields, in the entirety of Egypt, for the price of stored corn!
"And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.
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.
And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.
And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh, and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.
And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so the land became Pharaoh's.
And as for the people, he removed them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end thereof."
Genesis 47:14-21
There are two basics principles at work in these verses. The first is that it is not immoral to take payment for items stored through wisdom. It is expected that the people who fail to provide for themselves will be required to exchange payment, of one kind or another, for their daily bread. The second truth in these verses is that you NEVER want to be in the position of selling all you own, even to your own person, just to buy a portion of bread. Can you imagine being removed from your land, into a city (or refugee camp) for a meager supply of wheat or corn? Heaven forbid!
"The prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it".
Realizing that the economies of a post-TEOTWAWKI world will be greatly changed from our current economies, we should be spurred into action. Prepare yourself not only to survive the coming storm, but to meet the new world with wisdom and understanding. Supply your larder with food, your magazine with ammunition and your mind with understanding. Only then will you truly grasp the impact of TEOTWAWKI Economics.
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Amazing wisdom and insight the Lord has given you. You just put something into perfect perspective that I haven't been able to resolve in my mind. I was just talking to a friend tonight about "Storing up to help others." Handing out to EVERYONE who asks creates another welfare environment that could lead to abuse. "Giving away" on a case-by-case basis should be the exception, not the rule. When someone receives something after giving something up for it, they become more frugal and you don't become a "gimme" magnet.
ReplyDeleteJ.J.S.: This is the world that our government has created. And we need to be ready for what those folks will do if we DON'T GIVE them the necessities.
ReplyDeleteEnola...thank you for this wisdom. It has set my heart at ease about what we must do should TEOTWAWKI come soon.
Very good article. After being a minister for 30 years, I know the story well. This is wisdom receive it and prepare. Do not be the one in great need. Be a wise servant and get your whole house in order while you still have time to do it.
DeleteI was so happy to read your post. I have been struggling with this for sometime and as always, the answers are found in scripture - I just needed someone to find them! Thank you for all you do to help prepare and educate us! God Bless. Preppermom in Virginia
ReplyDeleteEnola, you are so right in your understanding of this story. Thank you for explaining it so well. I will not let anybody guilt me into giving away what is rightfully mine. Nor will I become a resident of any govt housing. I prepare for the worst while praying for the best.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the prez is planning to take almost all of the foreclosed homes which are burdening Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, et al, and selling them in bulk to investors. Then the investors will rent out the homes. I suspect some of those investors will be foreign banks or real estate investment groups from overseas. IOW, many Americans will be paying rent to foreigners, which will generate another sucking sound from our economy. Of course, exactly who those foreign investors are will probably not be made public. (I suspect they will be donors to the prez's reelection campaign - highly illegal.)
The people who lost their homes due to the housing bubble will have essentially given up their property in return for (foreign) govt housing. Sound anything like the Egyptians of Joseph's time?
NoCal Gal
For myself personally, I think tithing in this situation is appropriate as well. For instance if a family is currently giving ten percent of their income/resources to charity, they may choose to plan their prepping with that desire in mind, to store an additional ten percent in foodstuffs and other necessities for charitable giving. Its a very personal decision either way, but every family should agree ahead of time what portion of their stores are for family only, what portion is for charity, and what portion is surplus for sale or barter, so that there isn't confusion later and you can plan your prepping around the decision.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is O.K. to take a 'reasonable' payment for your provisions but, Pharaoh took the peoples own grain. He did provide the gathering and the storage and God gave the wisdom so I think the cost of the food was excessive. God in His wisdom knew what He was doing and allowed it for a reason but I can't imagine asking for everything someone has just because I listened and they didn't. Just make sure what you ask for is in line with what God see's as acceptable and not taking advantage. You also don't want to create enemies.
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:58
ReplyDeleteIf you tithe off your food, I personally think I would give it to the church and let the church distribute it. Let people see God as their provider and not "That family over there in that house." Then you become the source, your name or address gets communicated to others looking for handouts and MORE people end up at your door.
I agree that the tithe was meant to be stored in the temple... to be used to feed G-d's people. We don't really have the set up here. Really, each person needs to use their best discerning when it comes to that point. But I also think there will be times for "giving" and times for selling/bartering..
ReplyDeleteCathy
God's plan was fulfilled in Joseph's actions of making the people of Egypt responsible for themselves even through the 7 years of famine.
ReplyDeleteJoseph's instructions from God, amassed a huge stockpile of food, animals, and wealth for the Hebrews to mass exit Egypt's tyrannical enslavement and bondage from the Un-Godly rule of the false king Pharaoh.
There are many lessons to be learned from Joseph's history.
Perhaps history is being repeated today.
notutopia
Thank you for your search in finding Truth in the Bible with what your family and my family are preparing for! I doubt at times for what might seem silly to other Christians for preparing for economic devastation. The other day I wanted to go back into denial, "this will never happen to America" and the Lord really woke me up. I was led to the parable of the 10 virgins. Half of the church falls asleep. I remember asking the Lord to forgive me for my fear and then I new that He has been asking our family to do the same. Start preparing and trusting what I hear Him saying and keep reaching those who do not know where to go. I point to Jesus, my Lord, Who will never leave me or forsake me... Blessings to you
ReplyDeleteI think you have helped a lot of people in figuring out how to handle this difficult situation. My husband and I have family members who are not on board, and we know that when TEOTWAWKI happens, they will be among the first to arrive on our doorstep. We have planned in advance for this situation. We will accept them, and share our provisions, but they will need to understand that food and a place to live comes with responsibilities. There will be gardening to do, bread to bake, laundry to do, etc. Their refusal to prepare does not entitle them to a free ride. And in the midst of our "new arrangement", we will be thankful for what we have and praise our Lord for His provision.
ReplyDeletebelle ringer said it for me...a hand up is far different than a hand out. day before yesterday a cousin of mine witnessed a young couple with two small children near a home depot entrance sitting on blankets holding a sign that said they wanted to sell their car for food money. my cousin said she felt so sorry for them so bought them chicken dinners..she got upset with me when i told her she was enabling them to continue begging...she should have called the police, or social services who would have offered this family some real help.
ReplyDeleteWell written and correctly understood. My wife and I have had this conversation several times and have put in extra for just this purpose. I really enjoy your blog, thank you for sharing. May the Lord bless you richly. SJJ
ReplyDeleteAs Joseph opened the storehouses, I'm sure he had many of Pharaoh's "protectors" or guards, all around him to keep the starving and desperate masses from stealing and killing to get more food for their hungry families.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that today's "what's yours is mine" freeloading, conscience-less, gun carrying culture will be orderly, compassionate and caring for those who have chosen to be prudent and prepared. And most will not be family members or those we know!! We won't have those "guards" around us. Weapons are not always an option for many God loving people. And perhaps should not be. However, it is a personal choice one has to make and be ready to hear God's righteous judgment in the end.
It's easy to sit on this side of starvation and desparation and think rationally of what we think we will do. Hopefully and prayerfully it will all work out and everyone will be happy campers.
But, not in today's culture where people are robbing gravesite memorials of their metals and newly built construction of the copper to recycle for money, robbing store owners, to have $$$ to buy food, beer, drugs, lottery tickets or any other item of addiction or need.
Most of the people searching for food will not be in a good, benevolent mood. They will steal everything you have once they know you have it. And may even take your and your family's lives.
And, yes indeed, I, too, history is being repeated today. God used Pharaoh (Exodus 9:16) to show His people His power in His people and that "My Name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." (Romans 9:17). I believe God is using the evil, greedy and corrupt "leaders" to wake His people up, once again, from their blind, idolatrous and adultrous stupor, to get into His word and learn to be obedient to the TRUTH of His word as there are very many false preachers NOT teaching the TRUTH. And people sit in their pews lapping up all the false teachings - Revelation 18:4 God says "Come out of her My people." What do you think He is talking about?
When one is Holy Spirit led to STUDY their Bibles, everyday...not just on Sunday (the false day. The 7th day is the Lord's Day!Did you read that in your bible? It's in there!) one realizes TRUTH that they never learned in any church! It's amazing!!! If there ever was a time to study and to know His truth and be obedient to His word...it is now!
Daniel 11:32 "......but the people who know their God will display strength and take action."
Pat
I have frequently wondered about the people of Egypt during Joseph's time. If they saw, or knew, that the 'government' was storing food, why didn't they store for themselves also?
ReplyDeleteAppreciate reading your blog. God bless you.
Good question--but maybe many did???
DeleteI really enjoyed your post and have been thinking about Joseph myself. Surely, if all Americans wanted to, we could store sufficient food and supplies for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the clarity. So many preppers are natural givers that we tend to give everything away, and sometimes need reassurance that asking for payment is not only permissible, but fair and right.
Doc Cindy
Today our world is very much like the times during the building of the Tower of Babel. If I remember correctly their idolatry of this great tower allowed God to change their language. Everything was confusion. Today, what makes any sense anymore? Good is evil and evil is good.
ReplyDeleteWe, 2, R changing our language. We, 2, R worshipping idols - no different now than then. We have our faces in every "image making" (Revelation 13)electronic gadget that comes down the pike - androids, ipads, ipods, internet, cell phones, texting, facebook, tweeting, twittering - all electronic gadgets that take us away from worshipping God as society today is worshipping an "image". We've lost our humanity, sold our souls and changed our language. Satan rejoices!!!
2 people sitting at the same table in Starbucks or McDonald's will be each talking on an electronic gadget instead of talking face 2 face can U guess what language they are speaking - "electronic-eze"!! No longer human's talking face to face with another human where one sees and hears emotions, body language, sharing feelings; where one spells words correctly and talks in the English language.
Movies portray faceless, godless images of robots and demons!
Thus, we are just another image to the soulless ghoul who wants to take everything we've worked hard for or intended to share with those in need. They don't care. They have no regard, respect, consideration.
Satan is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) of the air. Where does all this demonic, electronic communication go? Into the air!
Pat
If somebody's hungry, I think paying them generously with food, etc. in exchange for labor is a good policy. Even if it's some work you didn't really need done, it fosters a healthy relationship between you and the hungry person, and it's good for their mental health.
ReplyDeleteNow this needs to be done with a spirit of charity of course. Taking advantage of people in a tight spot is no way to go, nor do you want to have a patronizing attitude towards the have-nots.
In the book of Jasher this story is told with a twist not found in our bible. Rather Jasher deserves to be in our bible is not the contest here but it is quoted twice in scripture. Ok, now to the point: In Jasher, every family in Egypt was commanded by Joseph to store up food for their families and livestock during the seven good years, which they did. Problem was, they didn't check on the stuff at all. They just stored and forgot, and when the seven years were up, the rats, mold, and weevils had either ruined or devoured it all. Needless to say, we shouldn't make the same mistake. Thanks for the article: good read!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon this article today and was encouraged by the insight reflected both in the article and in some of the comments. I would like to add some thoughts regarding what I believe God wants from us during the difficult times ahead.
ReplyDeleteWe who have been blessed with insight in advance should be careful to avoid arrogance about this gift from God. We are to be good, responsible stewards of the abundance He has provided, rather than overly proud of our preparations. We should not be acting as the judges of those who were deceived into thinking the plentiful times would continue. God offers loving forgiveness and redemption to those who are willing to repent (turn away from) their foolishness and acknowledge His lordship.
When the hard times come, God will send to us, as he chooses, some who are in need that we can help. They may or may not have items for barter than may be useful, or they may only have themselves and their willingness to work or help. Even in the lean times, there is much work to be done to continue providing for the physical and spiritual needs of our families and those who are gathered to and added to "our families", Unfortunately there will be those lacking in gratitude to God who will want to "take what they think they have a right to have." We must be discerning, wise and prudent in dealing with both kinds.
Please remember the parable Jesus taught of the man with a field to harvest, who could not find enough laborers. Those he found who came late to work in the harvest were rewarded equally with those whom he found early in the day.