Jacob was dying! He had to muster up all his strength just to sit up in bed. His eyes were failing and he couldn't see anymore (Genesis 48:2,10)
What was he up to when he was dying? Read Genesis 48 and 49 - it's a fascinating account. Here's a summary of Genesis 48 and 49:
"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff." Hebrews 11:21
✅Jacob was dying but he had vision.
Jacob couldn't see but he had vision. Vision way into the future. Listen to these words as he blessed his grandsons:
"the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly on the earth."
Even if you are dying, today is a good day to have vision.
✅Jacob was dying but he was grateful.
Imagine being on your deathbed and recounting the goodness of God. Listen to this:
Jacob said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.”
Even if you are dying, today is a good day to be grateful.
✅Jacob was dying but he remembered God's promises.
Seasons may change but God's word stands forever. Listen to this:
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’
Even if you are dying, today is a good day to remember God's promises.
✅Jacob was dying but he was looking for an opportunity to serve
A generous heart can't help but keep on blessing others. Listen to this:
Jacob said, “Bring my grandsons to me so I may bless them.”
Even if you are dying, today is a good day to look for an opportunity to serve.
✅Jacob was dying but he was expressing love
Maya Angelou said 'At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.' Listen to this:
Now Jacob's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them
Even if you are dying, today is a good day to express love.
✅Jacob was dying but he was worshiping
Oh how I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall in that room. Picture this: Jacob used a stick to prop himself up and worshiped! Listen to this:
"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff." Hebrews 11:21
Even if you are dying, today is a good day to worship.
Genesis 49:33 - Then, when Jacob had finished his prophecies to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last, and died.
Mic drop!
What a way to die!