Joseph’s Last Days

"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)

The reference to which our text points is Genesis 50:22-26. Joseph believed God amidst severe and persistent trials. Because this text passes over the other events in Joseph’s extraordinary life, I will too. Joseph’s life was remarkable. His trials were remarkable. And his faith was remarkable. Like the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom he was an eminent type, Joseph shows us by example how that we ought ever to bow to the will of God, believing him (Gen. 50:18-21). But the Holy Spirit here points us to Joseph’s display of faith and faithfulness in his last days when he was at the very zenith of his glory in Egypt. Here was a man who believed God in circumstances that cause most men to forget him.

Faith And Prosperity

Joseph was a man tempted by the possession of great prosperity. The Lord God does call some men to high positions. Some of his servants are found in Ceasar’s court, some in Uzziah’s, some in Pilate’s, and some in Pharaoh’s. – That in itself is a great trial of faith.

Joseph was the highest ranking official in a land of idolaters, serving a mighty king who was a base idolater. He was wealthy beyond imagination. Riches, of themselves, do not injure a person. Whether we are rich or poor, we simply must not set our hearts upon material things. That’s the danger (Phil. 4:12; Psa. 62:10; Pro. 30:7-9; Matt. 6:31-34; Col. 3:1-3).

Faith And Death

When he knew he was dying, Joseph believed God. Death is a great tester of man’s sincerity. It shakes down bowing walls and tottering fences. The brightest instance of faith in this grand old man was at his death. In his death he remembered God’s covenant. His heart was totally baptized with the thoughts of heaven. He did not dwell upon the past, but hoped for the future (Heb. 11:1). He rested his soul upon his God, believing his Word, trusting his promise.

Faith And Reason

Joseph believed God, though that which God had promised was totally contrary to reason, to the things which he saw, and to all outward appearance. Israel was in Goshen. Why should they leave? – But God had promised that after 400 years, he would bring them out of that land; and Joseph believing God, “made mention of the departing of the children of Israel” (Gen. 50:24). He knew that his brethren would become slaves to the Egyptians. How then could they escape? -- Faith does not reason, but believes.