Previously, we learnt that Joseph knew what God told his great grand father (Abraham) about what will happen to his future generation (Genesis 15:13-14). Also, learnt that Joseph was a man who knew history, maintained the ancient land marks and believed in the potency, authenticity and infallibility of the word of God spoken in time past. As a result of this he was sure that, it must manifest even though it will not be in his time. Joseph's prophetic mention of their departing from Egypt was based on the knowledge he gathered from history.

Likewise, Joseph's knowledge of HISTORY formed his PRINCIPLES this made him request for his bones to be taken away from Egypt when the PROPHECY manifests. Genesis 50:25. This was the second reason why Joseph was included in the heroes of faith.

Why did Joseph request for his bones to be taken away from Egypt?

1. Because he believed that God will fulfill His promise to Abraham. The burial place in ancient Israel was very important so by burial, Joseph was willing to base his future resting place and by implication faith on the promise that Israel will leave Egypt. Therefore carrying his bones was not just the fulfillment of their promise to him but, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.

2. To create faith in the heart of the Israelites which Moses exhibited. While God made sure that the Exodus happened, and that the Israelites leave Egypt, Moses takes the most significant step he could, redeeming Joseph’s bones. Carrying those bones was a way of saying that, while leaving Egypt may be overwhelming and scary, the Israelites had absolute confidence that they will end up, as God promised, in the Land of Israel.

3. He wanted to be a partaker of the manifestation of the prophecy physically even if it meant that his bone will do that for him. Having understood that he will not be alive when the promise manifest, he covenanted with his brethren to ensure that he entered he promise land even in death. This makes us understand that his faith in God and the fulfillment of the promise could not be stopped by death.

4. He knew that Egypt was not his home so he lived looking forward to the day when he will go home and he knew he will only get home via his bones. Joseph gave us followers of Jesus the precedence and example of how we should live, we are to live knowing that this world is not our home and we are to keep looking forward to the day when we will go home.

5. He knew that Egypt was the land of bondage and believed in God's plan for freedom which He gave in the promise to Abraham.Joshua 24:32

6. Joseph believed in the redemptive power of God this was seen in his final wish or last request. Everyone hopes in something, but not everyone displays that hope in the same way. Often, that hope is embodied in what is sometimes referred to as a person’s “last request” made just before he passes away.The dreams God gave to Joseph in his early days were prophetic, and they spoke of things to come in Joseph’s life. Though the providence that brought God’s promises to fruition was not always easy to bear, Joseph learned to hope beyond that which he currently embraced, and to believe in that which he could not yet see.

Ps:Listen to this teaching, God has something in it for you today.

Grace to you.

Jesus is Lord.