The Just Shall Live By Faith

Heb 11:21-22 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Both father Jacob, and son Israel, were blessed in discerning the day of their departure from this earth. They made plans that would positively effect their family and their last desire was fulfilled. A happy ending takes forethought. We may or not see our destination day to heaven as clearly, but as we finally become brave enough to label ourselves as a senior, we bravely then must make plans ahead for that day.

We are very blessed to have arrived at this point in life. When we think of those younger who have passed on before us, cut short in the prime of life that never had a clue that their exit was to be sooner rather than later, we know that God has highly favored us, and in return we must be good stewards of the time allotted us. We must bless those now that have been a blessing to us. We must make the final arrangements for the disposal of our body, rather than to leave the burdensome task to someone else. We must foresee that our progeny live on in privilege of God. We find that our final plans are one that only we can initiate if we so desire to have things done our way and God's until the last day.

We also have to realize the most important last leg of the journey in the above example of Jacob. The Scripture relates, [he] "worshipped." We return to God a profound adoration and gratitude for extending our life, for knowledge of Him, for blessings of family and friends, for unseen favor and blessing and those that are known, and primarily for the gift of salvation that we now have dwelling within us. Worship is what we will be doing in eternity. Why not begin to practice now? We perhaps cannot "perfect" worship of the Lord this side of heaven, but what a joy in improving how we relate to God while we are still clothed in this earthly tent. Make it a worshipful week by faith!