Today’s devotion comes from Genesis Chapter 50 which covers the death of Jacob (Israel), the burial of Jacob, and the death of Joseph. Here is a link to the chapter – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+50&version=NASB
I quote the following verses.
“Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:24-26.
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It is understandable that Joseph’s brothers needed such assurance that God would take care of them as they faced both Jacob’s death and later Joseph’s impending death. First, with Jacob’s death, “When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” Verse 15. Joseph did assure them: “So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Verse 21. But then, second, later, as Joseph’s brothers faced Joseph’s impending death, they likely feared what would happen after their protector and provider (Joseph) died, and they would be left in a strange land with foreigners. So, Joseph assured them twice: “God will surely take care of you”.
We too tend to get too dependent on others to protect us and provide for us. We need to remember that although God uses others (family and friends) to protect us and provide for us, it is ultimately God Who takes care of us.
The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that when we confess in the Apostle’s Creed that we “believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”, we confess that He is not only Almighty God, but that He is also our Faithful Father Who “will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body: and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage”.
Question 26. What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?
Answer. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body: and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father. Heidelberg Catechism.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11.
“casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 