The burial of Joseph's body in the land of Canaan, about 200 years after Joseph's death in Egypt, is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God. Joseph had spoken to his family members before his death about the time when God would deliver the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt, and he directed that when that time came, his body was to be removed from Egypt as well. Through the Exodus, through the Red Sea, through the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, through the Jordan River, through the campaign of conquest and to the place that Jacob had purchased long before, the body of Joseph was carried. Joseph died in faith, and two centuries later, that faith was vindicated in his delayed funeral. That event speaks of the need for the people of God to maintain their optimistic outlook--looking up to God in the present and looking forward to the coming of Christ in the future. |
