Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Faithful shepherds leave a legacy of hope

Bible Reading:   Genesis 50:22-26

Key Verse: “Joseph made the Israelites swear, saying, “When God comes to you, you shall carry up my bones from here.” Genesis 50:25


DEVOTION

In the ESV Bible, Genesis 50:22-26 is entitled as “The Death of Joseph.” As we read the opening verses, we see that Joseph appeared to have lived a long and full life. He lived for 110 years, witnessing the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren while dwelling comfortably in Egypt. But his life wasn’t always as peaceful as it seemed at the end of Genesis.
Considering all that he endured, Joseph could have given up. He could have told the Lord that it was too much to bear. That he couldn’t go on any longer. But is that what Joseph did? No, it isn’t. He chose to live with a mindset of trusting in God’s plan and having faith that God's way is always best. When he was sold: he trusted God. When he was enslaved: he trusted God. When he was falsely accused: he still trusted God.
Even with his final words, Joseph displayed his unwavering faith in God, believing in the Lord as the one who fulfills His promises. He told his brothers that they “must carry [his] bones from” Egypt (verse 25). Joseph held high status in Egypt; second only to Pharaoh. Yet, despite his wealth and position, Joseph kept God’s promise to His people at the center of his heart. In this simple statement, we can see how much glory and honor Joseph gave to the Lord. He didn’t want to be buried with his riches or surrounded by worldly symbols of success. He wanted his burial to serve as a “silent witness” to God's promises.
In Hebrews 11:1, Paul defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Among the examples of faith listed, Joseph’s is included; specifically when he said his bones should not remain in Egypt. To his dying breath, Joseph trusted that God would fulfill the promise He made to Abraham generations earlier. Even in death, Joseph’s actions testified to who God was to him: the promise-keeper, the righteous judge. His life and death left behind a testimony for generations.
This is the legacy Joseph left. This is what we remember about him: someone who consistently put God first, even as he faced death. What legacy will we leave behind for our brothers and sisters in Christ in the generations to come? Will we show them that God is the one driving our life? Will our life reveal how much God can do when we surrender everything into His hands?
 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, you are the Alpha and Omega. We put our lives into your hands. You are at the steering wheel and we surrender ourselves to you. Let your will take place and let us grow in faith knowing that You alone know what is best for us.  Amen


Thought for the day

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
                                                        
Irene Sony Joseph
Epiphany MTC, NY

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