Joseph’s Bones
Hebrews 11:22
Joseph was seventeen when he was sold into slavery by his brothers. He lived to be 110 years old. Some commentators doubt Joseph ever came into contact with a believer outside of his own family. What was put into his life in the first 17 years lasted for another 93 years of his life. Truth placed into the heart of the child will serve that child all of his life.
Dying in a Strange Land
Genesis 50:15-26
After Joseph’s father died, his brothers were fearful of their own lives, expecting Joseph to exact revenge. This made Joseph weep because they didn’t understand his heart. He had already forgiven them.
Joseph recognized that it was a part of God’s plan.
Joseph knew Egypt was not his home. Canaan was his home.
The last thing we have the privilege to do for God is to die right. We can trust His promised right to the end.
He was able to die in faith, because he lived by faith
Departing From Egypt
Joseph then made mention of his bones. At this time there was no written revelation of God. It was passed on from generation to generation orally.
Genesis 15:13-16
God told Abraham they would be in a strange land and be there 400 years.
Joseph knew when he died there was 200 more years left. To show his faith on this promise he ordered the people to take care of his bones and bring them with the people when they left to return to the Promised Land.
We need to be familiar with the promises of God and cling to them.
Depositing His Bones
Exodus 13:19 Moses took Joseph’s bones.
There were people responsible for caring for Joseph’s bones for 200 years. From generation to generation.
We have the same responsibility to give the word of God to each generation. There is a sacred trust placed in us to keep delivering God’s word.
Joshua 24:29-32
They kept their sacred trust concerning Joseph’s bones.
Joseph’s bones still speak today. They tell of a faith in a resurrection. A day when we will receive a new body and live eternally.