The Thread: Part IIExemple

Live a Significant Life

Jacob's death was mourned by the Egyptians for seventy days, a sure sign that the Egyptians dearly loved and respected Joseph. By mourning with Joseph and joining the funeral procession to Canaan, the Egyptians showed honor to the father of their dearly loved leader.

When Joseph, his brothers, the members of their households, and Pharaoh's officials arrived in Canaan and buried Jacob, their wailing was loud enough to be noticed by the people of Canaan. The mourning was so noticeable that the Canaanites renamed the area "Abel Misraim," which means "Mourning of the Egyptians." After Joseph and his friends finished mourning, they returned to Egypt.

This story tells us a lot about Joseph, Jacob's favorite son. While Joseph's youth was characterized by favoritism and perhaps arrogance, we notice that as he faced trials, his character was refined. He became a man of great standing in Egypt because he allowed God to shape him. The favor given to Joseph was not only for his benefit but also for the lives he saved through his position. We cannot deny that Jacob died a happy and proud father of Joseph. Jacob was buried in the land of his fathers and mourned by his reunited family. God works in mysterious ways!

Question: In what ways was Jacob's passing significant to the Egyptians? In what ways was Jacob's passing meaningful to his sons? What can you learn from Joseph's character in this story?

Prayer: Your life matters to those who love you, the place you serve, and the nation you live in because your influence is most potent among those you have regular contact with. Ask God to help you live in such a way that the world is left different than it was before you arrived. Ask him to leave his mark through you to bless the generations after you.