Understanding Economic Vulnerability Through Joseph’s Story
The Real Value of Our Money
What benefit would our money hold if other countries refused to trade their products and resources with us?
In my last post, we unpacked Joseph’s narrative found in Genesis 37 to 50. I highlighted Chapter 43, where Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt with the intent to purchase food.
Anyone familiar with Genesis 43 understands that Joseph’s brothers were in dire need of food. That being said, we can’t overlook that they were not lacking money and possessions. They didn’t come begging for charity. They arrived with the purpose of buying food from the Egyptians who had stored up resources, thanks to God’s insight given through Joseph.
A Moment for Reflection
Let’s relate this scenario to our current situation in the Western world. It’s no secret that Western society has become increasingly dependent on purchasing products and services from abroad, rather than sustaining our own economic health. The majority of food products in our stores are imported from a broad range of countries.
While this may not be the primary lesson from Joseph’s story, it prompts us to reflect on a couple of important questions:
- What use is money if there is nothing available to purchase?
- What is the value of money if neighbouring countries refuse to sell us their products?
Considering a Break in the Supply Chain
Imagine if China abruptly ceased all trade with us. Without any warning, all shipments of commodities from China are halted by a governmental order. What if the Mexican border was closed to any and all produce coming up from Central and South America? What consequences would follow?
Our significant reliance on foreign goods could very well be our Achilles’ heel.
I don’t claim to have all the answers. And yet, when famine struck Israel and they possessed nothing but money, Joseph’s willingness to negotiate on behalf of Egypt was their sole means of survival.
It might seem far-fetched, but are we really that far from a similar scenario happening in North America? Will the supply chain be cut off by natural disasters, civil unrest, global distrust, or some other crises?
May we thank God who continues to provide for us and pray that we always have someone willing to trade with us.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts!
- How do you think we would fare without trade from China?
- What would the grocery store look like if the Mexico-US border closed shut?
- What alternatives might we have or what measures should we consider taking?
