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Genesis 49:29-50:26

Author: Kent Berghuis

"Finishing Strong"
or, "All's Well that Ends Well"

(Genesis 49:29-50:26)

Intro:  What does it mean to die with dignity?

I.  Dying with dignity requires faith in the promises of God (49:29-50:14)

	A.  Jacob's instructions and death (49:29-33).
		--Jacob wanted to be buried with his ancestors.
		--Jacob also believed God would keep His promises to his family.
		--Jacob was "gathered to his people," which means that his spirit lived on.

	B.  Jacob's burial (50:1-14)
		--Jospeh wept and kissed his father; a sign of his love and attachment.
		--The Egyptians embalmed Jacob's body and mourned 70 days, just two 	
		days short of mourning for Pharaoh; a sign of their respect.
		--Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians buried their father as he asked 	
		them to do; a sign of their faithfulness.
		--The burial procession foreshadows the coming Exodus of Israel

II.  Dying with dignity requires faith in the sovereignty of God (50:15-26).

	A.  The brothers' fear (50:15-18).
		--They feared Joseph's kindness was only for the sake of their father.
		--They sent word that Jacob wanted Joseph to forgive them.
		--Joseph wept over their inability to see his true kindness.
		--They bowed to him and offered themselves as slaves (which reminds us of
		  Joseph's childhood dream)

	B.  Joseph's faith (50:19-26).

		1.  Shown in his kindness to his brothers (19-21).
			--Based on his belief in God working evil for good.

		2.  Shown in his instructions to his brothers and Israel (22-26).
			--Based on his belief in God keeping His word.

Conclusion:  Wrapping up Genesis

	1. We began in paradise, we end in a coffin.
	2. We receive promises of land, seed, and blessing, but the fulfillment is still future.
	3. We are reminded we need something beyond ourselves and beyond this life.