January 20, 2016:  SOAP #2239:   

Scripture:  Genesis (NIV) 50:25 And Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” 26 So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.

Observation:  Joseph had died, but he left something behind.  He left them an assignment.  And with the assignment came with something to keep their focus on the future.  A day would come when they would be leaving Egypt.   The Bible only says his body was placed in a coffin but not in a tomb.  He had died, but his journey was not complete!  The assignment was to carry Joseph’s body with them when they left Egypt.  (Exodus 13:9 gives the completion of this assignment.)  I am certain that Joseph’s coffin was placed in a place of importance where it could be seen.  And whenever it was seen, they would remember his words.  A day was coming when they would be leaving!

Application:  Several years back I entered the “senior” generation.  Should the return of Jesus not happen during my lifetime on earth, my body will be left to be placed in a coffin.  But I want to leave something else.  Jacob and Joseph left words, prophetic words (Genesis 49) and words of instruction with a promise (above).  I too want to leave words—words of truth, of encouragement, of hope—Holy Spirit anointed words of blessing and God’s promise.  A day is coming when we will be leaving!

Prayer:   Lord, Like Jacob and Joseph, us “seniors” to leave something that will bless the generation that follows.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!