“Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’”
Genesis 50:24
When I was a boy, I loved summer camp. Still there were moments I wanted to go home. So I clung to my parents’ promise that they’d come back for me at week’s end. They always did!
Joseph’s father was dead, and he himself was about to die. His brothers were distraught. So Joseph encouraged them by reminding them that God would be faithful to His promise and take them out of the land to a land of their own. Even with Jacob and Joseph gone, God would not forsake His promise to come down and bring them home.
Centuries later the disciples were distraught when Jesus spoke of dying. So He told them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you. …I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3). When you’re distraught and life feels overwhelming, when you desire to just go home, remember your Father first came down in Bethlehem, and He will come down for you again at life’s end.
Joseph’s father was dead, and he himself was about to die. His brothers were distraught. So Joseph encouraged them by reminding them that God would be faithful to His promise and take them out of the land to a land of their own. Even with Jacob and Joseph gone, God would not forsake His promise to come down and bring them home.
Centuries later the disciples were distraught when Jesus spoke of dying. So He told them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you. …I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3). When you’re distraught and life feels overwhelming, when you desire to just go home, remember your Father first came down in Bethlehem, and He will come down for you again at life’s end.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 50:1-26
Insight
Make this your prayer: “When my way grows drear,/ Precious Lord, linger near/… Take my hand, precious Lord,/ Lead me home.” (Thomas A. Dorsey, 1938)
Bible In A Year
- Daniel 1-2
- Proverbs 5
- Hebrews 5-6
