Hebrews 11:22, “By faith, Joseph, at the end of his life,
made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his
burial.”
Were some listeners tempted to scoff at an old man’s
imagination? Think of it as pure fantasy. Or did some remember the stories of
Jacob’s dreams when young, or his prophecies when in jail, and wonder. What
parts of those old stories were totally real and what parts were around the
campfire embellishment to entertain children?
Joseph’s actions at his death re-emphasized the truths he
sustained throughout his life. He held onto his youth-filled visions God had
given him. He endured betrayal, slavery and jail and saw it as God turning to
good what men had intended for evil.
Then, despite experiencing the opposite in success and
power, Joseph never forgot where his true inheritance lay. He saw himself as
God’s servant and as one of His children.
Yesterday I heard a sermon by Rev. Efrem Smith who suggested
that today the Christian community should consider being an honest and vibrant
movie trailer for God’s story. Joy for what has been given, and anticipation
for what is yet to come.
Joseph left his people an Old Testament version of an
upcoming attraction—not to be missed. Joseph recognized and witnessed that his
death was not an end, but only a piece in progress, and he pointed to God’s
story as the lifeline. In God’s story absolute impossibles are real.
Lord, please do not let despair or acclaim pull us from Your
purposes in our heart motives or our action directions. Help us to “keep our
eyes fixed on you” and remain as firmly grounded in faith as Joseph, regardless
of circumstances.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 145: 13, 15
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion
endures throughout all generations.”
“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food
in due season.”
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