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DEATHBED ADOPTION (51 OF 54)

by Keith Krell

Scripture: Genesis 47:1-30
This content is part of a series.


Deathbed Adoption (51 of 54)
Series: The Book of Beginnings
Keith Krell
Genesis 47:1-30


Have you ever heard of John Grisham? Most Americans have. John Grisham writes legal thrillers and is one of the most popular writers of our time. What you may not know is Grisham is a follower of Christ. One defining moment in Grisham's spiritual journey came several years after graduating from Mississippi State University, when one of his classmates in law school told John he was terminally ill. Grisham asked him, ''What do you do when you realize you are about to die?'' The friend replied, ''It's real simple. You get things right with God, and you spend as much time with those you love as you can. Then you settle up with everybody else.''

How do you want to die? In eternity, what type of life will you wish you had lived? Lock that thought in your mind and begin to live your life from your death backward. You will not regret examining your life, but you may live to regret an unexamined life. As a pastor, one of my tasks is to challenge you to think deeply and reflect on your life. Today, I want you to consider the legacy that you will leave behind.

In Genesis 48, Jacob has come to the end of his life. He has carried the torch of God's covenant for 147 years. He has committed many sins and has not always honored God, however, Jacob is an example of a man who finishes well. In this passage, we will see that before he dies Jacob is determined to pass the torch on to those who would follow. This must be our goal as well.

Scene 1: Jacob prepares to die (48:1-2). Moses writes, ''Now it came about after these things that Joseph was told, 'Behold, your father is sick.' So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim with him. When it was told to Jacob, 'Behold, your son Joseph has come to you,' Israel collected his strength and sat up in the bed'' (48:1-2). The death of which Jacob has so frequently spoken, and even longed for at times, is knocking on his door. Thus, ...

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