June 22 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:17–22

Devotional

Joseph accomplished much in the world. He had been raised as a shepherd’s son and took his share in the care of the sheep. This humble shepherd eventually became the governor of Egypt. By the world’s standards that is what we call accomplishing much in life. But even governors have to meet death. In our text we see Joseph lying on his deathbed. He may be as a king on a throne with much power and control, but there is a stronger power. That stronger power is death. When this king of terror lays his cold grip on us, who shall be able to withstand him?

Joseph may be living in a palace. He may have guards watching over the palace gate. But guards cannot protect him from death’s call. Death even reaches thrones. So how did Joseph die? It is certain that all of us will die. But how will we die? Joseph died the same way he lived, for a God of salvation in life is the same God in death.

Many people need a God to die, but few people think they need a God to live. The fact is that when we live with God we shall also leave this life with God. That is as firm and sure as the fact that God is in heaven. To die well one needs only to have lived well. There will be grace to die if there was grace to live. This does not mean that a child of God, who knows God’s grace in his life, is just now ready to die. That would be contrary to Scripture which says that death is the last enemy. Neither is it true that it can never become dark in the life of a child of God. For also God’s child can fear whether he will ever reach heaven. These people are serious about death, and that is because they have received grace in this life.

Grace to die is usually not given in advance. That explains why even God’s children can look at death with fear. It makes no sense to ask if you have grace to die, because at this moment you do not have to die. On the other side of the coin, you could die even today. Whatever the case may be, for you and me the issue is, do you have grace to live?

All we have to do to understand Joseph’s death is to look at his life. In Joseph we find a man who knew God’s grace in his life, and who, in our text, received grace to die. He had a close walk with God and now he has a broad entrance into glory. What about you? In order to have God with you as you die, you need first to have God with you in your life. Are you concerned about your need of God when you die? You had better ask the question: Do I need God now during my life?

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.