 "The days of my pilgrimage are...few and evil." This was how Jacob described his life of over 100 years. And his final words were commands to his sons about his burial (Genesis 49:32-33). He wished to laid to rest in the tomb of his fathers -- an historically and archaeologically important description to be sure. And yet, the old spiritual rings true when it says, "It don't matter where I lay, all my tears be washed away."
If our last breath was going to be invested in a command to our children, what should it be? If you were going to use your last strength and effort on one instruction what things would be valuable enough to pay that price? Love God. Love others. Fear God. Refuse to fear man. Obey God and you will obey man rightly. Cling to Christ. As Joseph lay dying, he had one last request: "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here [Egypt]." (Genesis 50:25) In other words, "Do not leave me in Egypt -- take me home." Even though Joseph knew his pilgrimage was necessary and beneficial to himself and his family (Genesis 50:20), he still didn't belong there. Even though he was successful and powerful, Joseph was not an Egyptian, he was still a stranger. Even surrounded by friends and even family, Joseph longed for home, similar to how our hearts long for heaven and the presence of God. Joseph's request has been fulfilled, Moses took his bones after 430 years in Egypt and returned them home. But Joseph was not with them. Joseph's eternal hope was in God and His promises -- just like ours. Like Joseph we will not be forever in exile, we have eternal of hope in Christ. His promise is that not merely our bones, but our entire glorified bodies will "always be with the Lord." And thus, we echo Joseph's longing for home.  I waited patiently for the LORD, And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 What does it look like for God to hear us? We want it to mean that we get what we want -- but... it sometimes means that but often it means: We get an opportunity to be patient. We receive an unexpected open door in a different direction. We have to give up something. We find time to learn. We become reliant on Christ. What does it mean for God to hear your prayer this year?  I waited patiently for the LORD, And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 What does it mean that God inclined to me? The God of the universe condescended to listen to me, to pay attention to my concerns, Even my petty, selfish requests. He bends His ear to me. Because of Jesus, God does that! Even if I don't like His answers -- He humbles Himself and turns His ear to my voice.  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
February 2025
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