January 22, 2012
Background Scripture: Genesis 50
Lesson Passage: Genesis 50:15 – 26
In last week’s lesson, we looked at the preservation of the remnant of Israel. In today’s lesson we will examine the transmission of the promise God made to Abraham. Again we are examining events related to the life of Joseph. Joseph appeared to have exercised great patience and obedience to God in enduring many unjust hardships during his life before God’s plan for him became clear. He would need this same attitude to pass on to the next generation the hope that had filled his life now that he was at the point of death. Joseph had lived ninety three years pass the point where his troubles began at the hands of his own brothers. He had seen several generations of his own offspring. This was during the time that he was leader over all Egypt. His end was much greater than his beginning. Yet Joseph understood that in spite of the luxury and family surrounding him, he would one day die. Not only was this world not his eternal home but Egypt could not be the earthly home of Israel indefinitely. This would go against the promise of God to give Abraham’s seed the land of Canaan. This promise had been passed down from Abraham to Isaac and from Isaac to Jacob (Israel). Jacob was now dead and his sons had to continue to rehearse the promise in the hearing of their children and grandchildren. For the promise to be fulfilled, the children of Israel could not remain in Egypt. The famine had long passed (sixty five years) but Israel no doubt enjoyed many benefits living in Egypt with Joseph having such a prominent position there. Joseph understood that no circumstances would hinder God’s plans whether they were bad times or good ones. Yes, Israel was living quite well in Egypt for now but one day it would all have to end so that God’s will would be done. Joseph obligated Israel to a simple request. When God moved them from Egypt back to Canaan, Joseph wanted his bones to be taken out of Egypt at that time and interned in the land of Canaan. What a strange request. Not that it was unbelievable that God would do such a thing or unusual that Joseph would want his remains to be in the land of promise. What makes this request strange is that his father, Jacob, had died in Egypt and was embalmed there but prior to his death he had insisted that his remains be taken back to Canaan and interned in the cave along with his wife, father, mother, grandfather, and grandmother. After Israel’s embalming and seventy days of mourning, Joseph made request of Pharaoh and was permitted to carry his father’s remains back to Canaan. Why not request the same for his remains? Perhaps Joseph’s remains would be a constant witness in the midst of Israel throughout their pilgrimage in Egypt of God’s faithfulness. Maybe even in death Joseph wanted to serve as encouragement for his people. His request to carry his remains with them at the time that God delivered them from Egypt could also serve as a reminder that their deliverance is ordained of God. Joseph’s dying request served to transmit Abraham’s promise from generation to generation.
Robert C. Hudson
December 28, 2011
God’s Grace
14 years ago