10.30

Joseph Also Viewing the Future, by Faith "By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention
of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
(Hebrews 11:22)"

When Isaac and Jacob pronounced blessings upon their posterity, they exemplified viewing
the future, by faith. When Joseph requested that his bones some day be buried in the land
of promise, he was also viewing the future, by faith.

Joseph's journey to leadership in Egypt was marked by alternating battles and blessings.
His brothers had betrayed him and sold him into slavery. "Midianite traders passed by; so
the brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took
Joseph to Egypt" (Genesis 37:28). Soon, Joseph found blessing under the care of Potiphar,
an Egyptian captain who purchased him. "And his master saw that the LORD was with him and
that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight,
and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put in his
hand" (Genesis 39:3-4).

Yet, another battle arose. Joseph was imprisoned when Potiphar's wife lied. She resented
Joseph's refusal of her sensual advances. "'He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried
out with a loud voice' Then Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison" (Genesis
39:14, 20). But, more blessing came as the Lord granted Joseph favor with the prison
keeper. "And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners because
the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper" (Genesis 39:22-23).
Another spiritual battle ensued, as one of Pharoah's servants forgot Joseph's kindness to
him in prison. "The chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Then it came to
pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream" (Genesis 40:23-41:1).
Joseph's interpretation of Pharoah's dream would bring Joseph to his position of authority
in Egypt. "You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your
word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you" (Genesis 41:40).

Faith in the Lord certainly sustained Joseph and brought him to God's desired place of
service and opportunity. Yet, our present verse reveals that Joseph's basic interest was
not his own blessing and advancement. Joseph had a heart for the plans and purposes of
God. As he viewed the future, he was convinced that the Lord would some day bring His
people back to the land of promise. His request to have his bones buried in the land of
promise was an expression of his faith in God's promises. "God will surely visit you, and
you shall carry up my bones from here" (Genesis 50:25).
"

"Lord God of eternity, as I alternate between the battles and blessings of life, help me
to view the future by faith. Remind me that Your everlasting purposes can guide and shape
my temporal circumstances, in Jesus' name, Amen."