This post was last updated on February 17, 2026

Day 345, Year 1

Immerse Yourself in God’s Word

“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 NKJV)

Genesis chapter 50, verses 24 to 25, also describes the events mentioned in the above verse. At the time of Joseph’s death, the Israelites were living in Egypt without worry, with plenty of food, and had an increasing population. But Joseph prophesied that the Israelites would eventually leave Egypt, and his bones lying in the coffin awaiting were a sign. When Joseph was able to command that his corpse be buried in Canaan after his death, he chose not to be buried there, for he thought that his bones in the coffin would be a reminder to the Israelites that the land of Canaan was their promised land. They would eventually enter the land after he died, and then his bones would go with them altogether. Similarly, believers should not be deceived by a life of ease or abundance that obliterates our pursuit of God’s promises. When we are living at ease, our faith is challenged. So, we need to prepare for future trials and for heavenly life in eternity.

While Joseph accepted the glory of Egypt, he refused to embrace the Egyptian way of life and value system. In the same way, we who have decided not to follow secular trends probably face criticisms. But we need not be afraid of negative comments or standing out from the crowd. No matter how much comfort and abundance are here in earthly life, heaven is our final Promised Land. Similarly, we need to live with a mark of faith like Joseph’s. With this conviction, we can prepare on earth, e.g., how to use our worldly riches for future life in heaven. It is especially vital for influential Christians on earth to erect a sign of faith in God. In doing so, we can help people who are weak in faith to pursue God’s promises with assertiveness and strength.

Joseph received God’s words by staking his bones. He did not say that when they came out of Egypt, he would be laid to rest in Egypt after he died. Contrarily, he knew that although his life on earth was over, his bones would leave Egypt with the new generation to come and rest in the promised land. He put himself into the prophecy he had received and made himself obedient to God, whether he lived or died. In a similar way, it is not enough for believers to receive God’s words; we also need to live according to them. Joseph’s posthumous remains continued to encourage the Israelites after his reign to seek God’s promised land in Canaan. Then, where does your life and death point to?

Reflection questions:

1) Is your life pointing to God’s promises and encouraging others to seek Him?

2) Do you feel that riches or ease in life cause you to despise God’s words? If so, how do you resolve it?