At the end of Genesis, Joseph was nearing the end of his life. At 110 years old, he gathered his family and declared:
“I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”
Joseph’s words were more than a farewell—they were a prophecy. He didn’t know exactly how God would do it or how long it would take, but he was certain that God would keep His promise. Four centuries later, God did just that, raising up Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and into freedom.
Joseph had enjoyed Egypt’s comforts. As Pharaoh’s second-in-command, he had saved the nation from famine and brought his family to safety. But Egypt was never the final destination. Before he died, Joseph made his family swear to carry his bones back to the promised land. His eyes were fixed not on Egypt’s riches, but on God’s covenant.
That long wait between Joseph’s death and the Exodus may have seemed like silence. Generations were born and died; blessings gave way to oppression. Many probably doubted it would ever happen. Yet God’s timing was perfect—He was preparing both His people and their deliverance.
We, too, live in a world that can feel like Egypt. Political unrest, economic hardship, and personal struggles can make us long for something better. Some people are searching for a dream—whether a new home, a better job, or a safer place to live. Others are simply holding on through hard times. But Joseph’s story reminds us that God has prepared something far greater than anything we could find here.
Jesus said:
“Let not your heart be troubled… In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go… I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1–3)
Just as God brought Israel out of Egypt, He will one day bring His people into the home He has promised. Whether that day comes for us individually or at Christ’s return, we can be certain—God will keep His word.
“God Will Bring You Out of of This Land.” Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, Shubert Christian Church, July 24, 2024.
