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If you were in charge of designing the hall of fame display to honor the faith of the Bible character Joseph, what would you do? What examples of faith would you highlight? Would it be his ability to interpret dreams? Would you highlight his faithfulness to God, even as a slave, even in refusing to sleep with a beautiful woman? Would you point to his understanding of God’s providence in sending him to Egypt and helping him rise to second-in-command of the country?
There are a lot of things in Joseph’s life that could be an example for us. So, you may be surprised to learn what Hebrews 11:22 says is the example. It reads, “By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.”(NIV)
So, his funeral plans were an example of faith? How so? The key is he spoke about the exodus of his people from Egypt back to the promised land. The promise had been made generations before. And as verse 39 tells us about all these faith heroes in Hebrews, “None of them received what had been promised.”(NIV)
It’s pretty hard to trust in God when it seems his promises are not coming. Most us want the Amazon delivery model. You know, order today, get it tomorrow – or sooner! Let Joseph’s faith inspire you to trust that God may deliver some of his promises even after you’re gone!
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.