By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Today’s opening verse speaks of the faith of Joseph. It tells us that Joseph through faith when he was dying, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel from Egypt; and gave a charge that his bones be carried to the Promised land. The fact that Joseph desired for his bones to be taken home someday showed that he was looking forward to the future of God’s fulfilled promises concerning Israel. He knew he wanted to end up in God’s Promised Land, not in Egypt. Joseph’s faith hinged on God’s glorious promises made to Abraham his great grandfather; therefore, he looked forward to a glorious future ahead, a fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham. What promises has God made to you? Are you looking forward to them being fulfilled? How might we live our lives if we really kept God’s promises for us in our minds more regularly?
Joseph didn’t want his bones to be buried in Egypt. He was sure that someday, God would fulfil His promise to Israel. Remember that he had fame, prominence, and influence in Egypt; yet he preferred to be buried in the Promised Land. He wouldn’t settle for less than God’s best for him. He so believed God would fulfil His promise to Israel that he gave a charge that his bones be buried in the Promised Land. Joseph was more concerned about Israel’s future that their past. Too often we let the world blind us and weigh us down with our past. Satan likes to do that, for he knows that if he can get us focused on the problems of the past, it makes it harder and harder for us to focus on God’s faithfulness and God’s ability to fulfil His promises to us in our lives both now and in future. But the devil is a liar and a big failure; we have the victory in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! Beloved, what things are you looking forward to in faith and how do they help you here and now? Listen, life becomes more interesting and fulfilling when you look forward to a glorious future.
MY SOLID FRONT (YOUR CONFESSION):
In the Name of Jesus Christ, I am of faith and I look forward to a glorious future for me according to God’s Word. I have been justified by faith, therefore my path in life shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Hallelujah! Amen.
Further Meditation: Proverbs 4:18; Hebrews 12:1-2.