Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
THE CHURCH THAT HAS TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION
Genesis 50:22-26
Verse: 25: And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
Verse: 25: And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.
Joseph's faith went beyond his lifetime. The book of Genesis concludes with expectation for the future. The expectation is part of what faith is.
Faith is not limited to our relationship with God now, but faith can prepare for events beyond our lifetime. It can outlive us. Many of our expectations, like Christ's return is also looked upon by faith, which will happen now or outlive our lifetime.
Joseph was led and blessed by God his entire life. He was 56 when Jacob died and we presume that Joseph continued to lead the people of Egypt and his family. He lived 93 years out of 110 in Egypt. He lived there as a foreigner most of his life, but he was faithful to God throughout and was rewarded for it.
Joseph never doubted God and His promises. He knew Israelites would be taken back to the promised land when the time was right. Both he and Jacob died in Egypt surrounded by families. Both were honored at death, and their remnants were taken to the promised land and buried. Joseph was successful in a worldly sense as well as with God. It helps us to refine our priorities as we think about the direction of our lives. Joseph was very content to be around his children and great-grandchildren. It is interesting to note that despite Joseph's godliness there is no record of God appearing to him like his forefathers.
God was silent for 400 years. Afterward, prophet Zachariah prophesied the birth of Jesus as a fulfillment of god's promises. Jesus provided salvation from God's judgment to all who accepted his death on the cross as a free gift. Jesus told his disciples, before his ascension that, He will come back again. We are looking forward to his second coming, in holy conduct, godliness, and with expectant hope for a New heaven established by Lord Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we are waiting for your second coming, prepare us to face you with all cleanliness and godlinesss. Help each one of us to lead our entire life blessed by your grace . Amen.
Lord Jesus, we are waiting for your second coming, prepare us to face you with all cleanliness and godlinesss. Help each one of us to lead our entire life blessed by your grace . Amen.
Thought for the day:
Joseph had a great ending to a life well lived!!