In verse 11 --> The local residents, the Canaanites, watched them... Then they renamed that place Abel-mizraim, for they said, "This is a place of deep mourning for these Egyptians".
Abel-mizraim means "mourning of the Egyptians".
Here we see that Jacob, Joseph's dad has just passed away. Joseph went back to Canaan to bury his dad, together with his household, his brothers and their households; accompanied by 'all of Pharoah's officials, all the senior members of Pharoah's household, and all the senior officers of Egypt'. When Joseph lost his dad, all those people felt that they also lost someone dear to them that they mourn together with Joseph. This is the kind of influence Joseph has!
Joseph was not born an Egyptian but he had so much influence over the Egyptians that they would follow him wherever he goes. Even to an unknown land for them, they were willing to go for him. This made me think... How many of us are influencers in our marketplace? In the place where we spend most of out time. The place where we interact the most with the people around us. The place which we are supposed to transform. And the sad thing is, some of us cant even influence one person! Not even this one closest to us!!! Then how can we be history makers and world shakers? Are we changing lives? Are we changing nations?
It's time to sit down and think and reflect. 2 more months before the year 2006 comes to an end... What have you done in the past 10 months? Have you released your fullest potential? Have you touched the lives of people God has placed into your hands? What have you done in this year to glorify God? Do you think God is pleased with you?
Pst always preaches 'You're born for such a time as this!' Do you really believe it? Who is the last soul you've saved? Where has the fire in you gone to? Are you no longer urgent and compassionate for souls? Do you still remember why Christ died??? It's time to get back to fire and end the year well...
