READING: Genesis 47-50, Matthew 15:1-28
Joseph was about to die, and he made sure his brothers would eventually take his body back to Canaan—his being convinced God would keep His promise to give His people the land. He could not know when that return would happen, but he had no question that it would. In fact, it would be many years before Moses would take Joseph’s body back. If God made a promise, however, Joseph trusted He would keep it according to His perfect timing.
So great was Joseph’s trust in God that he is listed among the examples of faith in Hebrews 11:22—“By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.” The question for us today—especially in continuing days marked by COVID deaths—is whether we can approach death with such faith. My guess is it’s easier to talk about trusting God in death when you’re not at death’s door, but it’s death’s door that will really test your faith. That truth means we must trust God moment-by-moment, for none of us knows when life will end.
May all of us die with the faith of Joseph—and may we be a witness to others in that moment just as Joseph was a witness to his brothers.
PRAYER: “God, give me genuine faith to trust You in life and in death.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Evaluate your life today, asking whether you would die in peace if the Lord calls you home today.
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 1-3, Matthew 15:29-16:20
