Biblical Last Words: Joseph

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.