Joseph’s Bones

"By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones." (Hebrews 11:22)

At the early age of seventeen Joseph was carried away into a foreign, heathen country. There he remained for many years surrounded by idolaters. It is unlikely that during all that time he came into contact with another believer, not even one who knew and worshipped God. He was a lone believer in the land of the ancient moon god (Sin), that the Muslims now call “Allah.”

Kept Faithful

In those days there was no Bible to read, for none of God’s Word had been committed to writing. Yet, amid strong temptations and various trials, Joseph was steadfast in his faith. He was a faithful man, though he was utterly without the aid of another. His solitary aide was the one aide he needed. Jehovah was his strength. The grace of God was sufficient for him. Grace gave him faith in Christ and grace kept him faithful to Christ. Thirteen years of imprisonment did not make him bitter. Being made lord over Egypt did not ruin him. Evil examples all around did not corrupt him.

The Lord God, who has promised, “My grace is sufficient for thee,” has proved the sufficiency of his grace many times. Has he not? Here he gives us one more example, by which he would encourage our faith.

“Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come!

‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home!”

Joseph’s Early Training

We recognize that Joseph was the object of God’s free grace. We know that salvation is God’s work alone. Grace chose him. Grace redeemed him. Grace called him. And grace kept him.

Yet, we also recognize that the Lord God graciously and wisely uses specific means in the exercise of his grace. This, too, is obvious in the life of Joseph. In his earliest years Joseph was taught to worship God, instructed in the gospel of Christ, and encouraged to believe God. How this ought to encourage believing parents. May God give us grace and wisdom to faithfully instruct and train our children by word and by example, committing them to his hands, his grace, and his care. If he is pleased to call them and grant them life and faith in Christ, he will keep them even in our pagan, heathen society.

The Example Chosen

Why did the Holy Spirit choose this particular example of Joseph’s faith to use as an encouragement to us? Had I been making the choice, there are many things I would have selected, which seem far more significant to me.

The Holy Spirit is demonstrating great examples of faith. He is encouraging us to believe God and to be faithful to him in all things. Yet, he makes no mention here of Joseph’s faithfulness in declaring the revelation of God, in benevolence, in the exercise of wisdom and prudence, or in enduring great adversity, slander, and unjust imprisonment. He makes no mention of Joseph’s great compassion, overcoming evil with good, or his reverence and obedience to his father. Joseph was a remarkable man with a remarkable life. But his entire life all his mighty deeds, all his examples of devotion are passed over, and we are introduced to the final scene of his pilgrimage.

The Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to encourage us to believe God, to remain faithful to the end, and to help us to overcome the fears with which God’s saints are vexed in every age. The Lord here very graciously shows us that he who gave us faith will keep us in faith unto the end, and will carry us safely through every trial into heavenly glory. Nothing inspires faith and faithfulness like the assurance God gives us of his faithfulness (1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:18-24; 2 Tim. 2:19).

The Time

Joseph’s faith in Christ kept his soul in peace, composed, and expectant, “when he died.” Nothing but the faith of Christ can enable rational, thinking men and women to enter with composure and delight into the unseen world of eternity.

It is the faith, which is wrought in men and women by Christ, and that alone, which can enable dying sinners to rejoice in the dissolution of “the earthly house of this tabernacle”, and to sing in their souls, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”