Learning to Live and Preparing to Die

o 47:31 – He recognizes the physical changes and challenges that are new. o 48:7 – He’s reminiscent – talking about his beloved Rachel, followed by confusion about the present (48:8). o 48:21 -- Jacob just knew –– It was the graciousness of God that is not given to all, but to many who die from disease or old age. o 49:1; 28-33 -- He wanted to have important last conversations and make final wishes known. Learning to Live and Preparing to Die Genesis 46-50 March 4, 2018 The Big Idea: Jacob and his son Joseph, followed God in their living 2. Jacob Knew Where He Was Going. • and dying. An extraordinary amount of detail is given of Jacob’s last days, including final conversations and wishes. They teach us how to live in a way that honors God and make preparations for the inevitable journey through death and into the next phase of life. • Genesis 47:27–31 (ESV) Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. 28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years. 29 And when the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, put your hand under my thigh and promise to deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me in Egypt, 30 but let me lie with my fathers. Carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.” He answered, “I will do as you have said.” 31 And he said, “Swear to me”; and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself upon the head of his bed. Genesis 49:33 • • 27 • as Truth – as God’s revelation of Himself to us. Do you want to know God’s will? Read and study God’s Word! Want to know what to believe about your life, your death, your future? What does God say about that in Scripture? Joseph’s Final Days. Genesis 50:15-26 Are you ready to die? 1. When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people. 33 Genesis 50:24–26 (ESV) And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land that he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being 110 years old. They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. 24 Jacob’s Final Days 1. Jacob knew when he was leaving (dying). • Not the day, but simply that the end was nearing and he was in his “last days.” o 47:28 -- His age. He’d already beat the odds. He’s in extra innings. He knew he would be with God and be with those he knew who also had walked in faith in the Lord. Genesis 49:33 (ESV) 33 When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people. Jacob had multiple, first-hand encounters with the Lord. [48:15-16, 21] Joseph had no recorded “voices from heaven” experiences. Joseph was simply taught the words of his father Jacob, his grandfather Isaac, and his great-grandfather Abraham. He got the Word of God and had confidence in it. We have the written Word of God. By faith, we take it as authoritative – 2. Have you come to peace with God? à Our natural position is one of being at war with God. à Left undisturbed, we are “children of wrath.” à What Christ has done for you. [Ephesians 2:3-5] Have you made plans for your death? à Your funeral – your burial à If you have children, have you prepared final words of blessing and challenge for them? à Have you shared with those you love the reason for the hope that is in you? 3. When death comes to those you love, does your grief testify of the hope we have in Jesus? [1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; Hebrews 11:21-22; Hebrews 2:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:12] 4. Are you living each day God gives you in this life for His Glory? [1 Corinthians 10:31] www.crossrdschurch.com