He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” (Genesis 43:23 ESV)
Who put the 2020 (first?) Stimulus Check in your sack?
All three branches of the Federal government were involved in that transfer. The Treasury Department was particularly involved. The IRS had a hand in the process. And someone wrote the computer algorithm. Someone tested the process. Someone pushed the right button.
If you are a supporter of President Trump, though… you probably give him credit.
If you are a supporter of those on the other side of the aisle… you probably give congress credit.
Or perhaps you give credit to something else… like a vibrant US economy, or our sometimes-vague Constitution, or the whims of public opinion.
Maybe you do not give credit at all… but instead think in terms of blame.
Joseph had ordered the wheat-money returned to his brothers’ sacks. A servant or two probably actually PUT the money there. And the Egyptians had worked for the profits that enabled Joseph to be so cavalier with the Pharaoh’s cash.
But Joseph gives God credit for it.
This concurs with Joseph’s later speech in which he indicates that God is the author of all events, good or bad. (Genesis 50:20) Joseph constantly gives God credit for the things that happen in his life. And Joseph’s understanding helps him to avoid fear.
If Joseph were living today in an apartment in Cairo, Illinois, who would HE say gave him a Stimulus Check? He would say God caused it. Joseph would say that God is behind all of the events that fill our news feeds. Joseph would give God credit for everything.
And while Joseph is giving God credit because Joseph is a supporter of God, Joseph is also simply right. God is the primary, secondary, and tertiary mover of all things. (Daniel 6:26-28) He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) He is THE worker, and He does all things good for us. (Romans 8:28)
If the US government were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid. If my will were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid. If random movements of electrons were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid. If public opinion were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid.
But God put the money in my sack.
Fear not, because God is behind everything.