Read: Genesis 50:22–26

It would be easy to read the end of Genesis without appreciating the last few verses. The intense drama of Joseph’s life has run its course, and the book ends with a fairly calm account of his passing. But if we remain alert, we will have eyes wide open as we turn the last page. While Joseph’s life ends, the story of God’s redemption remains unresolved and brimming with anticipation. Joseph expressed his desire for his bones to be taken out of the coffin when his people left the country. “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob” (50:24; see also 13:14–17; 15:13–14). For the next four hundred years, God’s chosen people would remain slaves in Egypt. But in His timing, He would deliver them from their bondage and redeem them to His Promised Land.

As God’s disciples, we can remain faithful through the hope of being redeemed according to His promises. Like Joseph, we can anticipate that we will be taken out of our bondage and be delivered into God’s fulfilled promises. We have this hope because we worship His Son who has already overcome the grave and left an empty coffin!

Prayer:

Dear Lord,
You have sovereignly unfolded Your plan of redemption for Your people. Like Joseph, my life is spent according to your purposes, and I have hope of being taken to the Promised Land. I have this hope through Your risen Son. I ask that You help me to live every day of my life as a faithful disciple and a fruitful disciple-maker, being used as an instrument for Your redemptive purposes. Like Joseph, spend my life for the efforts of saving many people. Like Joseph, let me know that even though my earthly days may come to an end, there is a hope of eternal promise that is only met in You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen