Final Reminder

"Joseph said to his brothers, I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.' Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, 'God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.'" -Genesis 50.24-25

Joseph is nearing the end. He's lived a good, long life. Aside from some rough patches in his late teens and through his twenties, he really doesn't have much to complain about. He's been successful with his career and with his family. He's one of the most powerful men in the world and he's watched his children grow up. Has been able to enjoy grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great great grandchildren. In his life he has learned to trust and rely upon God, and his final words are passing on this faith.

He tells his brothers that he is about to God, but that God will take care of them, and eventually take them back home to fulfill the covenant He had made. Joseph had been taking care of them, and with his death there was probably a little concern for the future, but he sets those concerns to rest by pointing them back to God. His final reminder is to stay focused on God.

Men, when the time comes to say your final goodbyes, what will your final reminder be? What will be the final words that your children and grandchildren remember you saying? Will they be words of hope and comfort for those you are leaving behind? Will it be a testimony of the goodness and blessings of God that inspire faith and trust in Him?

From the very beginning of their lives I am teaching my children to live out Proverbs 3.5-8. More than anything I want them to trust fully in God and lean not on their own understanding. I want them to acknowledge Him in everything and watch Him strengthen their paths. I want them to be humble before Him and to turn from evil so they can experience the peace and healing that righteousness brings. What greater testimony and teaching for this than to live it personally, and then die with it? If the final words they hear from me are the things I've taught them, and strived to live with, all of my life, what greater testament is there to God's goodness and the validity of His word?

Men, the final words you say will be a reflection of how you have lived all your life. What will your final reminder be?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor