Pastor’s Column 2/23/2025

PASTOR’S COLUMN

19 “Moses took the bones of Joseph with him,  for Joseph had made the sons of Israel swear  to do this. He said, “God will certainly come to help you. When He does, you must take my bones  with you from this place.”

“Journeying With Our Ancestors!”     

The people who are so significant in our lives and development never really leave us. Perhaps this is because they remain with us in our deepest thoughts, and in memories that do not fade. The real test of commitment we have to our loved ones is honoring them while they live in this world; and paying tribute to them afterthey have transitioned to a life in the world to come. Joseph, who had become an elder to his children and grandchildren sensed his death was imminent. Realizing this reality, he shared with his offsprings what we would call a Last Will andTestament. In ancient times, such wills were codified by the beneficiaries “swearing to an oath” to carry out the person’s wishes upon death. Joseph told his surviving brothers, “ When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.” (Genesis 50:25b, NLT). Joseph knew the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, would one day leave Egypt and return to Cannan, the Promised Land. Joseph’s will contained a proviso, that upon death his body would be embalmed and placed in a coffin – ostensibly, with his remains carried through the Exodus on the journey to Cannan.  Moses honored this request and made sure that the “bones” of Joseph, couched in the undisturbed Egyptian coffin was carried near the front of the procession. This Biblical narrative should encourage us to appreciate the importance of respecting and honoring our elders and ancestors who paved the way for us. There are many ways we can remember our precious ancestors. God  bless those who lived in “the days when hope unborn had died.” As we journey onward,  so will our ancestors go before us!