Meant for GoodSample

Faith That Impacts Future Generations

Read: Genesis 50:22-26, Psalm 78:1-8

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Genesis 50:22-26 describes Joseph’s final years and death. He lives to the age of 110 and witnesses the growth of his family and the next generations in Egypt. Before his death, Joseph reaffirmed God’s promise to bring Israel back to the land He had sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph requests that when God fulfills this promise, his bones will be taken from Egypt and buried in the Promised Land. His final words reflect his unwavering faith in God’s covenant and Israel’s future deliverance.

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Though Joseph’s life is shorter compared to his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, it is a life marked by great faith. Even through many years of suffering and trials, Joseph remains steadfast. Although Joseph’s and Jacob’s lives follow similar patterns, their responses to life’s challenges are drastically different. However, both men end their lives by reconciling with their families and receiving God’s covenant blessing. Like his father, Joseph faces the reality of death by making plans that honor God’s promises. His instructions to carry his bones back to Canaan are not merely funeral preparations; they are an expression of his unwavering trust that God would fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the land of their forefathers. Even on his deathbed, Joseph is expectant of better things to come.

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One of the most difficult truths for us to grasp is that God’s promises often come through death. And Jesus is the means through whom all of God’s promises are fulfilled. Joseph’s request to have his bones carried back to Canaan teaches us much about living in light of God’s promises. Though Joseph does not live to see the fulfillment of that promise, he acts in faith, knowing his decision would shape how future generations would live out their faith. How we live according to God’s promises not only impacts our own lives but also the generations that come after us. If those who follow you see how you live, loving and leading in the likeness of Christ even in the midst of trials, what a powerful example they will have to guide their own faith. What do you want future generations to say about your faith? Take time to pray that your faith will lead others to the Lord, generation after generation.