God Keeps His Promises

Death is not a topic that is easy to talk about. It seems so final. Not only that, but it is a topic that can bring up a wide range of emotions. Let’s face it, death stings, not only for the one who dies but also for those who are left behind.


I know people who are not afraid to die, but I have yet to meet a healthy person who wants to die. I have known people who have turned bitter knowing their death is imminent, and I have known people who have been very gracious and pleasant in their final days.

St. Mary's Church
Ashley, England

Today’s reading is Genesis 49:29-33. Jacob was with his family in Egypt and was about to die. Jacob seemed to be calm about his pending death.  His recorded final request was that he be buried in Canaan, the land promised to the nation of Israel. Jacob trusted God’s promise.

 

Death is difficult part of life. Will it be painful? Will there really be an afterlife? And if so, what will it be like? What if there is an afterlife and I don’t end up in heaven?

 

God made promises to Jacob, and God kept those promises. God also made promises to us, and he will keep those promises as well.

 

Death signifies the end of life on earth, but it is also a beginning.

 

God promised his children eternal life, and he sent his son Jesus not only as a sacrifice for our sin, but also to assume our sins, so that in God’s eyes we are perfect. Yes, Jesus was a scapegoat for us!

 

Death is the beginning of life with Jesus in heaven. It is the beginning of life in a land of perfection, a land that we really cannot fully comprehend here on earth.

 

Death is painful. Yet, through Jesus Christ death leads us to the promised land.

 

God kept his promise with Jacob, and he is keeping his promises with us!