Hebrews 11:22
“By faith Joseph, when he was dying made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”
Joseph’s entire life was pointing towards Egypt. His dreams as a boy referred to his ruling there. His drought preparation saved his family and all the people in that entire region.
Joseph’s entire adult life was in Egypt and his identity was wrapped up in that work. He also had power, wealth and position. It must have felt good to have one’s talents work in a manner that benefited so many.
Joseph achieved a status that few do, the super rich. This exposed him to a lifestyle that many only hear about.
Amazingly enough, upon his death, he didn’t speak of his accomplishments. He didn’t speak of his offspring maintaining a lifestyle that they were accustomed to. He speaks of leaving with his people. Almost as if Egypt was just an assignment. He had a yearning for God and his family. He was in the world, but not of it.
God commends him for keeping the faith, even amongst the best of what the world offers. He kept the integrity that he had decades earlier. He didn’t want to sin against God. In all the years being immersed in wealth and power, he held true to his values.
He believed God. He would eventually bring His people to their land. He wanted to be part of that.
We live in a world that has different values. We can’t allow the world’s influence to change us. We are to live today with His kingdom in mind. It shouldn’t be a grudging denial. We love God so much that it’s not a struggle. At times, some things may need to be pried out of our hands, but on balance, we love Him and His ways. Lord, keep our hearts true to You. Keep the allure of the world far from us.