Genesis 50:25-26 "And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence. (26) So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt."
Exodus 13:18-19 "But God led the people about, through the
way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up
harnessed out of the land of Egypt. (19) And Moses took the bones
of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying,
God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with
you."
Do you have any momentos of special occasions in your life? Do you ever buy
souvenirs when you are on vacation? What is the purpose of carrying something
around that has no life in it? For me, those things stir sweet memories to come
into your heart and mind? Why would Joseph want his bones to be carried out of
Egypt into the promised land? He died and no longer inhabited them. What would
they represent to Moses and the children of Israel? May I suggest those bones
were more than just a sentimental reminder to the people? The people of Israel
had been in Egypt for over 400 years. There is no doubt that the life of
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and also Joseph had been passed down from generation to
generation. Abraham's life reminded them of God's PROMISE of the new land that
flowed with milk and honey. Isaac's life reminded them of God's PROVISION for
each day. Jacob's life reminded them of God's ABILITY TO CHANGE circumstances
and situations. And Joseph's life reminded them that God was able to PROTECT
them even in tough times. Joseph's bones would be a reminder for the
children of Israel to keep their eyes and hearts on the joy that was set before
them to which God was taking them.
Some may disagree with what I am about to say, but for me, the cross is one
such reminder for me. There is no life in the cross, nor is Jesus still on that
cross. But it reminds me of the great love my Saviour has for me that He
endured the suffering and shame in order for me to enjoy eternal and
everlasting life with Him today and for all eternity. The cross reminds me that
"with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) The cross reminds me
that every dark place and time in my life is only temporary. The cross reminds
me that the grave is temporary and not my final resting place. The cross
reminds me that there is a joy and lively hope set before me through Jesus
Christ that is reserved in heaven for me. The cross reminds me "... that
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) I'm thankful
they remembered to take Joseph's bones with them as a reminder that Egypt was
not their final place of abode. I am thankful that when I see the cross, I am
reminded that "... God so loved the world (me), that he gave his only
begotten Son..."