Genesis 50

Open up ancient gates, open up ancient doors and let the King of glory in, who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD invincible in battle, open up ancient gates, open up ancient doors and let the King of glory in, who is the King of glory - the LORD of Heaven's Armies, He is the King of glory.

Thank you Father for carrying us all through the book of Genesis not by power, not by might but by Your Spirit. Thank you LORD for each revelation of Your love, grace, encouragement, wisdom, knowledge and understanding that You have imparted to us on this journey of growing in intimacy with You. May Your name forever be magnified in our lives and all over the ends of the earth in the name of Jesus, Amen. Thank you LORD.

Genesis chapter 50, the final chapter. It begins with Joseph closing weeping and kissing his father after his death (Genesis 50:1). As we previously saw, this act was a fulfilment of God's faithfulness towards Jacob that indeed his son Joseph would lay him to rest as he had promised (Genesis 46:4). Friend, God can always be trusted to keep a promise because He does not lie and His promise to us is not dependant on our behaviour or faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 NKJV confirms this God's steadfast position towards His children, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."

We then see the nation of Egypt observe a mourning period for 70 days in Israel's memory. Afterwards, Joseph went before Pharaoh and asked for permission to go bury his father in the land of Canaan which he was granted. Joseph, all of his family with the exception of their children and a delegation from Egypt attended Israel's funeral in Canaan. Israel's death and funeral was well commerated in his honor and I believe the honor he received from people reflects the kind of honor he gave to God. 1 Samuel 2:20 NKJV elucidates on this and it reads, "Therefore the LORD God of Israel says, 'I said indeed that your house and the house of your father walk before Me forever.' But now the LORD says: "Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed."

When the family returned back to Egypt from Canaan, Joseph's brothers were concerned that he would finally repay them for the evil they did to him. Joseph wept when he heard these words from his brothers (Genesis 50:17). Genesis 50:18-19 tells us, "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?" Joseph re assured them and promised to take care of them and their families regardless of their father's death. In my previous post, we see how Joseph's nature reflected Jesus' nature. In Genesis 50:20 NKJV, Joseph tells his brothers, "But as for you, you meant it for evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people." Joseph's heart was always to look out for his family which in this case was God's interests as well. Joseph was not about to change his mind because of his father's death.

At the end of the chapter, we see God's faithfulness towards Joseph as well. Joseph lived until he was one hundred and ten years old (Genesis 50:22). God also made sure that he saw his second born, Ephraim's, children up to the third generation and he also raised Manasseh's grandchildren (Genesis 50:23). All through Genesis, we see how the LORD God always satisfied His people with a long life and indeed showed them His salvation (Psalm 91:16).

Just like Israel, Joseph commanded his people to make sure that they would take him to the land of Canaan at an appointed time in the future when God would visit them and instruct them to depart from Egypt (Genesis 50:25).

------------------------------------------THE END OF THE BOOK OF GENESIS------------------------------------------------

Invitation to salvation: If you would like to get to know this ever faithful God who honors those who honor Him, and keeps His promises to His children without changing His mind, I invite you to make this confession that invites you to new covenant of love that is found in the precious blood of Jesus Christ where we get to have a personal relationship with God, the Father where His heart to lead, to be an ever present help and guide you as His child is found when you choose Jesus Christ, His only Son as your Lord and Saviour.

Please speak the words below:

"I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that; Jesus Christ, the Son of God came in a human body to die for my sins so that I could have a new life where I am dead to sin and alive to God. I repent of my past sins and enter the Kingdom of light where I choose relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and with God as my loving Father today and forever." AMEN.

Congratulations, by grace you are saved and are now a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old life has passed away and you have received the free gift of salvation into your life (2 Corinthians 5:17) where you get to freely access everything I've shared in this post. To the glory of the Almighty God. Amen.

Please feel free to reach out to us on info@bibleversionoflife.com. We would love to hear your story and send you a free Bible! God bless you.

PS: In case you have not already, please remember to read Genesis 50 alongside this post in your personal devotional time and share your thoughts in the comments below!