FAITHFULNESS: LESSONS FOR US
We read in Hebrews 11:20-22, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to
come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning
upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the
children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” In this passage we have a picture of
three dying men: a father, a son and a grandson. What were their dying concerns? What can we learn
from them?
Isaac shows us the “vision of faith.” He was advanced in years and knew his life would not last
much longer. Although he was deceived by Jacob, Isaac pronounced the future for both sons. His desire
was to request God’s blessings on his family for the days ahead (please read Gen. Ch. 27).
Jacob shows us the “worship of faith.” He, too, was concerned about his family, but the writer
emphasizes that Jacob “worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” Jacob was 147 years old, but he
still wanted to worship God at the end of his days, when he was too feeble to lift himself up without
help. His blessings were pronounced upon his children and grandchildren in a setting of worship (please
read Gen. Ch. 48, 49).
Joseph shows us the “persistence of faith.” He had never turned from God in all his trials through
the years. Sold by his own brothers into Egyptian slavery. Thrown into prison because of the lies of
Potiphar’s immoral, scheming wife. Forgotten for years by Pharaoh’s butler. Not once had Joseph turned
from God in all of that. At the age of 110 years, he knew the time of his death was at hand. But his
persistence of faith moved him to assure his family of their return to their home in Canaan and he com-
manded that they carry his bones back with them (please read Gen. 50:24-26). We find that they did
exactly that: “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of
Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you” (Ex.
13:19). Later we read that the bones of Joseph were buried by the children of Israel in Shechem (Josh.
24:32). We should understand that persistence of faith will be rewarded. Paul wrote, “And let us not be
weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Friends, have we learned these three important lessons regarding faithfulness?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The way to accomplish much is to accomplish a little every day.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning
upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the
children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” In this passage we have a picture of
three dying men: a father, a son and a grandson. What were their dying concerns? What can we learn
from them?
Isaac shows us the “vision of faith.” He was advanced in years and knew his life would not last
much longer. Although he was deceived by Jacob, Isaac pronounced the future for both sons. His desire
was to request God’s blessings on his family for the days ahead (please read Gen. Ch. 27).
Jacob shows us the “worship of faith.” He, too, was concerned about his family, but the writer
emphasizes that Jacob “worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” Jacob was 147 years old, but he
still wanted to worship God at the end of his days, when he was too feeble to lift himself up without
help. His blessings were pronounced upon his children and grandchildren in a setting of worship (please
read Gen. Ch. 48, 49).
Joseph shows us the “persistence of faith.” He had never turned from God in all his trials through
the years. Sold by his own brothers into Egyptian slavery. Thrown into prison because of the lies of
Potiphar’s immoral, scheming wife. Forgotten for years by Pharaoh’s butler. Not once had Joseph turned
from God in all of that. At the age of 110 years, he knew the time of his death was at hand. But his
persistence of faith moved him to assure his family of their return to their home in Canaan and he com-
manded that they carry his bones back with them (please read Gen. 50:24-26). We find that they did
exactly that: “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of
Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you” (Ex.
13:19). Later we read that the bones of Joseph were buried by the children of Israel in Shechem (Josh.
24:32). We should understand that persistence of faith will be rewarded. Paul wrote, “And let us not be
weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Friends, have we learned these three important lessons regarding faithfulness?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: The way to accomplish much is to accomplish a little every day.
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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