As we conclude our study of the sermon series on Genesis this Sunday, we are reminded that though the Israelites had the Promised Land in view they were not there yet. They were in Egypt where Joseph, a Jew, is a high-ranking official. His brothers, who abandoned him early on, are now in his presence and they don’t recognize him. Why? Because he has become almost fully Egyptian. He is dressed in Egyptian attire, marries into an Egyptian family, rides in an Egyptian chariot, he is given an Egyptian name. He speaks Egyptian to his brothers through a translator. He has an Egyptian wife, children, name, wealth and honor. Egypt had been good to him. If anyone had reason to settle there and forget the promises made to his forefathers, it was Joseph.

Then in chapter 50:22-24 as he is about to die he remembers the covenant promise “I am about to die, but God will visit you and bring you up out of this land to the land he swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…God will surely visit you and you will carry my bones from here.” He is prophesying about an event that takes place over 400 years later when the Israelites are set free from Egyptian bondage and eventually enter the Promised Land. By faith, he trusted God’s covenant promises even though he had not yet received what was promised.

So, for 400 years they carried his bones as reflected in Exodus 13 where Moses, upon leaving Egypt asks for his bones to carry to the Promised Land. Fascinating story. First, Joseph could’ve easily settled in Egypt but he looked beyond his comfort. He had a worldly identity that gave him power, honor, wealth, etc. But his faith looked beyond his comfort in Egypt to the fulfillment of God’s future promises though it was centuries away. The physical presence of his bones serves as a prophetic witness to us. This present age, no matter how comfortable, is passing away. Our hope is in the age to come. True faith remembers where we truly belong.

By the physical presence of Joseph’s bones, we are reminded of our true identity. Likewise, today, through the physical sacraments of bread, wine, oil, water, candles, laying on of hands, etc. we are reminded of our eternal home and God’s provision for us. Don’t settle for this world. There will be a day when we won’t need sacraments, for we will no longer live by faith but by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7.

This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday and we will explore why ASD lifts up the three streams of Scripture, Sacrament, and the Spirit. Sacraments aren’t just symbols. A sacrament isn't about what we do for God; it's about what God does for us. The minister or recipient isn't the source of the grace. Christ is the one doing the spiritual work; the human minister is simply providing the hands and voice. In the sacraments we return to our identity as children of God.

Come and see how Joseph’s bones become a distant reflection of the importance of our sacramental life today, preparing us for eternity. Don’t settle for this world. There is a new world to experience even now.

Come and See

+Philip