And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. (V.1) And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite. (V.29) Genesis 49:1, 29 KJV
It is not uncommon for any of us to let our loved ones know what our final wishes are.
Death is a family matter.
It is a subject that many of us have problems wanting to talk about.
One which we all have to face at some point and time.
Having the conversation is actually a good thing and makes it so much easier on all those involved.
God wants us to be prepared for anything we face in life.
He has even made it possible for us to talk to our children, who are young, so they can handle death.
They may not feel sorrow like someone older does, but they will understand it all the more as they grow and get older.
Jacob is a prime example of a loving father who was letting his children know about his final wishes.
When he knew that he was about to die, he gathered his sons together, spoke to them, and bestowed blessings on them and his two grandsons.
Although Jacob didn’t know as much about what God had for us after we depart this earth, like we know today, but his trust in God had a lasting impression.
He had a calm confidence that helped him face death.
It even had an impact on those who gathered at his bedside.
God has given us even more since Jacob’s days.
He sent Jesus to die for us, rise from the dead, and give us an even greater understanding of the hereafter.
We should not be afraid, but talk openly and honestly with those we love.
So when we are called home, our loved ones can find comfort in knowing that we had faith in God, and resting in peace.
That death is not the end, and we will see each other again.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, just like Jacob, let us speak openly and honestly with those we love. Letting the hope of the joys of our traveling home bring them peace. Knowing that death for those in Christ means there is no more gloom but everlasting glory.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen