When the time for Israel to die drew near, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “Please, if I have found favor in your sight, place now your hand under my thigh and deal with me in kindness and faithfulness. Please do not bury me in Egypt, but when I lie down with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” And he said, “I will do as you have said.” He said, “Swear to me.” So he swore to him. Then Israel bowed in worship at the head of the bed. Genesis 4729-31
Jacob (Israel) spent his final years with Joseph and his family in Egypt. Though Egypt was a temporary answer to the physical needs of his people, the promise of God about the land promised to his fore father Abraham was still on his mind. So, he made Joseph swear to bury him there as a reminder to their generation that “through Abraham all nations would be blessed”.
Do I hold the great promises in my heart at all times? Yes, the superintending purposes of God are my desire and the guideposts of my life.
God, today in Magdiel Bible college in Matamoros, I pray that we will be an encouragement to these young people. Help us keep the dreams alive that You have given each one. Bless our time together in ways we never could imagine. Make reunions sweet, even as Israel’s was with his son Joseph.
