Key Passage:Genesis 47: 1-6

Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, "My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen." And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation?" And they said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers." And they said to Pharaoh, "We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen." Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock."

Many people are entering into demonic bondages without knowing. Satan the evil ruler of this world is setting people up in ventures that promise them wealth, fame, power and pleasure, but which bring them into bondage and destroy their destiny.

Jacob the grandson of Abraham was caught in such web. His lost son, Joseph, was made a prince of Egypt – a cursed nation, which was the world’s first civilization. Egypt’s civilization was satanic and her Pharaohs were idolatrous, wicked and ruthless. At a time when there was drought in Canaan, Jacob took his whole family to Egypt to seek refuge. Egypt had riches and pleasure, but was a type of the "world system" that was full of corruption, oppression and idolatry. The family of Jacob accepted Pharaoh’s offer for the best of Egypt without knowing that it took away their freedom. They settled in Egypt and lost their vision of the Promised Land. They became "Executive slaves," and that became the beginning of one of the worst slavery experiences in human history.

That is like the story of many people in deep bondages today – a little compromise; a little corruption; a little overstepping of the bounds; and they are caught like a fish that has swallowed a hook. The "world system" will invite you with beauty, welcome you with pomp, and then corrupt and enslave you. That is happening in many quarters in show business, politics, commerce, and for people seeking employment. It only takes a Pharaoh that does not know Joseph to turn the tide, and the sweet grape will turn sour (Ex 1:8-11). We must be watchful over our desires and pursuits, and be sure we are in the perfect will of God, so as to ensure that the wicked one does not entrap us.

Pray: Lord, grant me the wisdom and grace to steer clear of Satan’s entrapments; help me to keep my desires and pursuits clean and be established in your perfect will.

Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi