Mortality

Gen 47:29 And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt:30 But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said. 31 And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head

We are mortals. This means we will one day wrap up our work here and go home. Although Jacob lived 147 remarkable years, a time eventually came when he knew God was calling him home. It can be glorious when God gives us notice that it is time to join Him in eternity. This should not cause any to fear – for there is a glory ahead that surpasses all we have ever experienced. But only if we did well in the time we spent in earth. There will be an accounting. For Jacob, he knew what he must do at that time. Death can be very organized and beautiful …like an arranged drama presentation in different parts …Jacob acted his final scenes like a professional.

First he must receive assurance that he would not be buried in Egypt but in the cave of his fathers. Second he must bless Joseph and his children separately and finally he must bless his other sons. Our love for God fills us with an important sense of assignment. Are there things that God wants us to do that has not been done? Are there things that must be done at our dying moments? How do we die well? A man that lives for God will know exactly what to do. A man who has lived for himself is full of fear and a sense of impending judgment at these final moments. There is no fear for Jacob … he has seen God complete His plans through him and has no regrets. How will your own end be? Begin the process of a closer walk with God today and enjoy the benefits of a calm transition to His prepared eternity.

Song.

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee; More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee; More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise; This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;

This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee; More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Prayer: Lord, let my love for you which translates to obedience – increase even much more in my dying than it was in times of youth and the earlier days. Amen.

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa