January 18, 2025
Daily Devotion:
"A Legacy of Faith"
Genesis 47:28-31
New Living Translation
28 Jacob lived for seventeen years after his arrival in Egypt, so he lived 147 years in all. 29 As the time of his death drew near, Jacob[a] called for his son Joseph and said to him,
“Please do me this favor. Put your hand under my thigh and swear that you will treat me with unfailing love by honoring this last request: Do not bury me in Egypt. 30 When I die, please take my body out of Egypt and bury me with my
ancestors.” So Joseph promised, “I will do as you ask.”31 “Swear that you will do it,” Jacob insisted. So Joseph gave his oath, and Jacob bowed humbly at the head of his bed. [b]
In Genesis 47:28-31, we witness Jacob's final days in Egypt. The passage highlights Jacob's deep faith as he requests that his body not be buried in Egypt but returned to the land of
his ancestors, Canaan. This reflects his unwavering belief in God's promises regarding the land given to Abraham, Isaac, and himself (Genesis 12:7). Jacob's request serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living with an
eternal perspective. He acknowledges that his earthly life is temporary, but the covenant God made with his forefathers is everlasting. This act of faith illustrates his hope in God's promises, even in his final moments.
In verse 31, Jacob reassures Joseph with an oath, indicating a strong bond of faith and trust not only in God but also in his son. This moment encapsulates the essence of familial
faith, where we encourage and uplift one another in our walk with God.
As we reflect on this passage, let’s remember that our faith transcends our immediate circumstances. We are called to live with the assurance of God's promises, just as Jacob did.
