Daily Guide 23rd August 2022 | Scripture Union

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SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE DEVOTIONAL 23RD AUGUST 2022

Today’s Topic: Fulfilling A Father’s Wishes

Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, make me more like you through the power of your word as I meditate on it.

Scripture: Genesis 49:29‐50:14

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?

Earlier in 47:29‐31, Israel had made Joseph to swear solemnly to bury him in Canaan. In today’s reading this request is repeated to his children (vs.29‐31). In many parts of Africa, it is a generally accepted custom that people should be buried in their hometowns. This seems to be a cultural norm in the ancient world as well. What belief system do you think undergirds this custom (see 49.29)? Death is seen as a homecoming; so home must be where the fathers are also taking their rest.

For us as Christians do you think it matters where we are buried since our real home is not on this earth? “There is a time for everything; a time to weep and a time to laugh;” Ecclesiastes 3:1‐4. Jacob’s death attracted international attention. The Israelites were the most closely concerned, yet the whole of Egypt and the Canaan land were involved. What an honour given to Jacob on account of his son, the Prime Minister of Egypt!

When the Bible says, “all Pharaoh’s officials and dignitaries in his court” (v.7) followed Joseph to go and bury Jacob, what modern day example could this be? It is alright to give final honour to our departed parents. However, we should be careful to avoid excessive expense that could land us in debt.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Lord, funeral ceremonies have become a huge issue in some of our societies today. Help your Church to be a model of modesty.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Psalms 118:14; Jeremiah 40‐42