Genesis 47:13 – 50:26
Congratulations to all those who have made it this far in their Bible-in-a year reading! You have reached the end of the beginning!
Alas, All good yarns must come to an end and the story of Joseph is no different. For me the most interesting thing about this final episode is the determination of the patriarchs to be buried in Canaan – the “promised land”. Even though they had only taken possession of one measly field, it was their home according to the promise of God. And they really trusted in that promise – listen to the words of the dying Joseph:
Then Joseph said to his brothers “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Joseph’s trust that God will keep his promise is based on the way that God has already acted in Joseph’s life:
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Will you and I reach our “promised land”, our “heavenly home”? We will if we keep trusting in Jesus. The way God acted in his life is our guarantee.
Tomorrow: Exodus!
thanks pete – some helpful things to think through. As strange as some of the OT might be God’s faithfulness is clear.
Joseph trusted the LORD that He had a good plan,he trusts and obeys the LORD . God uses Joseph to demonstrate the gift of Gods grace and forgiveness to his brothers.And ultermately, that points them to the LORD.That is such an encouragement to me because that is just another way we can be a vessel for Gods love and grace to each other and to the unsaved.