By faith, when his end was near, Joseph spoke about the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones. Hebrews 11:22.
I love the story of Joseph. So many things to learn from him. What have you learned from Joseph? First, read Hebrews 11:21-22. Then read Genesis 50: 22-26. Which part of this story is highlighted in Hebrews as an act of faith? Read Exodus 1:1-13. What would make us question whether Joseph was mistaken? Now read 3:1-10. What was God preparing to do? Next, look at Genesis 15: 12-18. What prophecies did God speak over Abram when He cut the covenant with him and his descendants? How long had this plan obviously been in the works? Compare this to Acts 7:17. What insight does it give you?
God knows all. Nothing surprises Him. How do we reconcile Joseph’s faith-filled prophesy to his brothers in Genesis 50:24?
Now read Genesis 48: 21-22. What did Israel (Jacob) tell Joseph?
Genesis ends with Joseph dying in Egypt. But, unfortunately, he never made it back to the Promised Land. Instead, he died making a promise to his brothers that did not come to fruition in their lifetimes. Nevertheless, Jacob and Joseph were esteemed faithful in the final blessings and pronouncements they made.
Genesis 50: 24-25 had two keywords- you and yours. Read Exodus 13:17-19. What insight do these verses offer? Now read Joshua 24: 28-32. The book of Joshua tells us the story of how the Israelites taking possession of the Promised Land. What does the concluding verse describe?
Events happen as foretold in the faith-filled blessings. They didn’t happen in the time frame or the exact generation of people the hearers might have presumed. When we look at the word you, it can refer to different people groups. It can be an individual, the nation of Israel, the church, or the people of God as a whole. God’s plan is limitless and extravagant. Go back to Genesis 50: 24-25 and read the words of Joseph that Hebrews 11:22. To whom did you and yours refer too?
By faith, Joseph spoke. He was obedient to God. However, life has its twist and turns. People get in the way of God’s plans. Or do we? One thing for sure, Joseph, in all of his ups and downs, had faith in what he heard God speak to Him. OH, the faith he had.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we can walk in faith just as Joseph did. I pray that when life’s ups and downs happen, that we will keep walking in faith.
In Jesus Name
Amen
