A DYING MAN TELLS US HOW TO LIVE!
I have heard somewhere before “you better pay attention to the last words of a dying man.” When I was 13 years old, I was standing at the bedside of my dad as he drew his last breath. As I look back at that moment, I sort of wish that my dad had left me some “dying words”; a literal “last will and testament” if you will.
This morning, we begin chapter 48 of Genesis, and we see that Jacob is getting ready to pass away. He is on his death bed, and has a conversartion first with Joseph, and then the rest of his sons. I understand that I am speaking of and referring to the words of a dying man, but I believe that it is very relevant and applicable for us today, and shows us a pattern of living from the mouth of a dying man.
First, Jacob remembered all God had done for him.
Genesis 48:3-4
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. He said to me, ‘I will make you fruitful and numerous; I will make many nations come from you, and I will give this land as a permanent possession to your future descendants.’
At the end of his life, Jacob begins to remember all that God has done for him and his family. When was the last time you sat down, and just remembered all that God has done for you? When was the last time that you made a list of all the blessings God has bestowed on you. I don’t mean you need to sit down and grab a pen and paper, and literally write these things out.(although that isnt a bad idea at all). But we ought to always have the blessings from and goodness of God on our mind.
Second, Jacob recognized that God was the blesser, and gave thanks for it.
Genesis 48:11
Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring.”
Jacob for so long has thought that his son Joseph was dead. Now he is speaking with him face to face, but he makes sure to recognize that God is the one who made that happen. Don’t rob God of His glory and honor. He deserves all the credit and recognition. And when it is warranted(truthfully it is all the time), give Him thanks! Praise His name! Hallelujah, I’m saved by His wonderful power!
Thirdly and finally, Jacob encouraged his children to live for God. In chapter 49, Jacob blesses each of his sons. The implication here, is that Jacob isn’t the one really blessing them, God is. And because God has blessed them, they ought to live for God and seek to bless Him. You and I can do nothing without the help of our Almighty God! Every breath you take, is because God has allowed you to do so! There is a generation coming up, that needs to know it is ok to live for God. But please dont be mistaken, I am not saying serve for and live for God because He blesses you. That’s a terrible mindset. We serve God because He is worthy; because He is wonderful; because He gave His life for mine!
My dad didn’t give me any last words on his deathbed. But I think a little more important than last words, is our the life we LIVE. My dad told me a lot about living for God, without saying one word! His lifestyle did all the talking.
We need to make sure that we do verbally share with others the blessings that God has given us and blessed us with. But we can never forget that our walk must match our talk! I hope you and I can learn from the words of a dying man this afternoon!