Lessons from The Life of Joseph (part 5 of 5)

Now we see that Joseph, his father, his brothers, and all of their families are happily dwelling together in Egypt.  Near the close of Joseph's life story,  Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Joseph, and Joseph's brothers as he is on his deathbed.  As an act of faithfulness, Jacob requests to be buried with his ancestors in Canaan.  After this request, Jacob passes away and his last wish is fulfilled.

Genesis chapter 50, verses 15-21:  When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him."  So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, "Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’  Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.”  And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.  Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”  Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?  But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.  Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”  And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

In this final chapter of the book of Genesis, we find out that Joseph is indeed a blessed man, filling his life with 110 years and living to see his children's children.  Before he died, he told his people that God would visit them and bring them out of Egypt to the promised land of Canaan.  Out of faithfulness, he also requested to be buried with his fathers in Canaan.

We've learned a lot of great lessons from Joseph's life:

God is always in control.

Keep dreams alive because God can bring them to pass.

Hold on to hope because God is faithful.

Maintain a positive attitude because God still fills your life with blessings.

Flee from temptation!  (Remember Potiphar's wife?)

Life isn't always fair, but God takes care of His children.

God keeps His promises!

God cares enough to work in our everyday lives and in our lives everyday.

Forgiveness and mercy will forever be some of the finest, godliest qualities a person can possess.

I think it would be a good thing for people to see Joseph in us, because people saw the Lord in Joseph.  Let that man's life inspire you.

And never forget the theme to his life:

"We know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  (Romans 8:28)

Let it be the theme for your life!