Genesis 49:28-50:26

Genesis 49:28-50:26

Jacob’s death concludes Genesis 49 and reminds us of what the book of Genesis was about. Although the first 11 chapters were dedicated to the creation of the world, along with its initial destruction, Genesis 12-50 deal with the beginning of the nation of Israel, before it was Israel. Jacob shows how God had chosen Abraham and Isaac and how the promise He made with them continued through him and now to his 12 sons. His only request on his death bed was to be buried with his people, including Leah. I find it interesting that he requested to be buried with Leah. Earlier in his life it was obvious that he preferred Rachel over Leah, even preferring Rachel’s sons over Leah’s. Indeed God had also used one of Rachel’s sons in great ways, with Joseph in Egypt. But as Jacob alluded to earlier in Genesis 49, Judah was the one who would inherit the covenant God made with Abraham, and Judah was Leah’s son. This is a perfect example of the difference between human wisdom and understanding and God’s. From what was initially a deceitful plan by Laban to give Jacob Leah, God turned into something great, using one of her sons to build His nation, eventually leading to the Messiah. All along, Jacob favored Joseph, possibly thinking of him to be the next in line, and although God did use Joseph in great ways, He ultimately chose Judah. We may not always understand why certain circumstances happen in our lives, but we must always remember that God definitely has a plan.

After Jacob’s death, Joseph and his brothers requested of Pharaoh to bury him in Canaan as he had requested. This shows a great deal of respect and obedience. Although this is a picture of earthly obedience to our earthly father, which is expected of us, it is a great example of how we should treat our heavenly father. Like Jacob, God makes requests of us all the time. Just read His word. We should not hesitate to obey His commands. Now although we do and will mess up in the future, that is not an excuse in God’s eyes. Yes He provides forgiveness, but He also expects us to work daily at being obedient. Obedience is probably the hardest part of the Christian life, but it is also the mark of our Christianity. When we are seen as disobedient by the world, they will question our beliefs. Therefore, obedience is a must.

Upon their return to Egypt, for the first time, Joseph’s brothers feared for their lives. After all they had done to Joseph, they now feared that he would repay them for their actions since Jacob was no longer around. So they come up with a plan saying that Jacob had requested that Joseph forgive them for their actions. Now although Jacob would have probably requested this, nowhere in the text is that stated. But Joseph shows great character in how he responds. He did not need the command of his father to offer forgiveness; he was already ready to forgive. In fact, he had already done so. Genesis 50:20 is the Romans 8:28 of the Old Testament. This is the verse that sums up the book itself. Our ways are not God’s ways, and He can use any situation for His good. I do not think any of us could ever imagine going through something similar to what Joseph went through, but with God on our side, He can get us through anything so long as we trust Him. The book closes with Joseph’s death, and it closes with a promise. Joseph reminds his sons that one day God will take them out of Egypt and back to the land of Canaan.

So as we come to the conclusion of Genesis, remember this: obedience is crucial in the Christian life, but it is also a struggle. From Adam to Noah, from Abraham to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, they all struggled with obedience. But when they came to that point in their lives where they devoted their lives to the Lord, they saw the Lord take care of them in ways that they could have never imagined. Now this is not to say that when we follow God all the trials will leave our lives, for that is not true. Abraham still struggled to have a son, Jacob still had fears of Esau, and Joseph continued to be shifted around in Egypt. But through all of these trials, they learned to trust God more, and depended on Him for help. That is a great picture of how we should live.

Matt