TESTIMONY IN DEATH – Genesis 48:1-16 – 10-15-23

Jacob's eyes are dim with age as he approaches death's door at 147 years. However, the eyes of his faith clearly see far beyond the grave, growing sharper with age. Jacob leaves his family and the reader with this noble testimony in these latter chapters of Genesis. However sad the patriarch's death may seem, he has learned that it will certainly not nullify the promises of God. On the contrary, this testimony of abiding hope will not only outlive Jacob, but will itself prove immortal as every generation of believers cling to the revelation of hope through the seed of Abraham even unto our day. The fulfillment of Jacob's legacy of salvation in spite of death foreshadows the grace of Calvary in Jesus Christ. Many are caught off guard by the looming horizon of death and its weight upon the soul. Against this all too common backdrop, the testimony of Jacob's waning days shines all the brighter. Perhaps Jacob's greatest moments are featured in out text today as the walls of death are closing in and the gates of glory open to receive this forefather of the faith.