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A DYING MAN SPOKE
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 23
Genesis 48:1-11

Psalm 44:1-12

 

“…Blessed are the dead

which die in the Lord…”

 

A DYING MAN SPOKE
 
What are the thoughts of one who is about to depart this life? It is certain he would not be concerned with unimportant things. He would have time only for the most vital matters. For the believer, his thoughts would be turned heavenwards, to God and the Lord Jesus, and also to those dearest to his heart, particularly departed loved ones.
 
Jacob on his deathbed was nourished by thoughts of God, the God who had called Abraham and Isaac, the God who had spoken those precious promises at Luz when he fled from his brother’s presence. After all that he had been through in his father’s home, in Padanaram, serving his father-in-law Laban, his wrestling with God’s angel at the ford Jabbok, his deliverance from Esau, the ordeal of Joseph’s loss, the marvels of God’s works in Egypt, and the reunion with Joseph, it could be simply summed up in the words of Genesis 48:3: “…God Almighty appeared unto me… and blessed me.”
 
Now that he had reached the end of the road, he was able to look back and recount all the blessings that he had received from God’s hand, exactly as He had earlier promised. So, the dying believer’s last words are a testimony to his faith in the Lord, and to God’s goodness. Martin Luther said, “God is the Lord by whom we escape death.” John Calvin: “Thou Lord bruisest me, but I am abundantly satisfied, since it is from Thy hand.” Matthew Henry: “I bless God I have inward supports.” Charles Wesley: “I shall be satisfied with Thy likeness – satisfied, satisfied!” Dear reader, when your time comes, what will you have to say?
 
News of Jacob’s physical decline brought Joseph swiftly to Jacob’s bedside, accompanied by his two sons. To the ailing father, it was a double joy: “I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed” (Gen 48:11).
 
THOUGHT: What will I have to say on my deathbed?
PRAYER: Father, whether in life or in death, may I bring glory to Thy Name.

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