Day 44 - Joseph

Read: Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:15-26

Reflect: If you are familiar with Joseph’s life story, there are so many instances where Joseph continues BY FAITH to follow and be obedient to what GOD would want. And in return GOD restores and elevates Joseph. But when we look at Hebrews 11:22, it doesn’t focus on the many acts of faith that Joseph displayed throughout his life, but rather the very end of his life. In the last verses of Genesis 50, several events are mentioned leading to the death of Joseph. Jacob, also known as Israel, has died. Joseph’s brothers now fear that because their father is now dead, he will have revenge upon them for what they did. The brothers ask for continued forgiveness even though Jacob is gone, and even offer themselves as servants. Joseph tells them they have nothing to fear, and that it is not for him to act in GOD’s place.  He recognises GOD’s plan to sustain his family, even though it was accomplished through much hardship, and shows his brothers great love. 

The passage then goes to the 110th year of Joseph’s life. Here Joseph knows that his life is coming to an end. Joseph then gives instruction to the children of Israel, that they should continue to be faithful to GOD and hold to the promise that was made, that Israel would be brought out of Egypt and into the land which GOD had promised. Joseph continued to live BY FAITH even unto his end.  He wanted to encourage Israel that the GOD that had carried him through all of his struggles and had raised him up to the second most powerful person in Egypt to sustain the Israelites, would also fulfill HIS promises for the future. 

We too, now as followers of CHRIST, have promises to look forward to in the future. Promises that what we may see as tough times and situations that we may go through in our life, GOD may ultimately have a purpose for later in our lives that is useful to HIM. That the strife and difficulties and overcoming of sins can be beneficial to the comforting of individuals, as GOD comforted us,  that may go through similar situations. That when we pass from this world, as followers who have finished their race, we will be with HIM eternally in the place HE has prepared for us. BY FAITH hold to the promises HE has made.

RESPOND: What are some events in your life that you can see how GOD has used for his purpose? What are promises that God has made that you look forward to, in the future, or in HIS timing?