By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭22‬-‭26‬
Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt.

Joseph was a hero to his family, saving them from starving by providing food. He did this, though his brothers sold him into slavery and told his father he was dead. While they left him for dead, God healed him and used him for his greatness. Joseph lived to see the reconciliation of his brothers and father.

Later in his life, when Jacob died, his brothers thought he would kill them. They had either forgotten his heart of forgiveness, or they anticipated he would try and get revenge. But he assured them this was not the case, that he loved them.

At the end of his life, he prophesied that the Israelites would inherit the promised land God promised. And when that happened, he asked them to take his bones to the promised land. Maybe this was a physical reminder of God’s provision all the way in the future. By this request he attached hope to his dry bones.

Joseph thought of others before himself. And he thought of his family far into the future generations. He thought about their spiritual faith and fortitude. He wanted them to know the one true God, and that he was faithful.

Lord help me to be like Joseph and think about the legacy in Jesus Christ I can leave for others around me. May I invest in them, plan for their best, and enrich them in every way with the enrichment that I gain from your Spirit.