Living with Faith: Jacob's Legacy and Final Moments

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I explored the life of Jacob, a man whose journey was marked by failures, faith, and a strong finish. Over the past ten weeks, we've delved into his story, witnessing his many ups and downs, his authentic faith, and ultimately, how he finished his race strong. Jacob's life serves as a profound example of how, despite our imperfections and mistakes, we can end our lives with a legacy of faith and righteousness.

Jacob's final days were spent in Egypt, where he lived for 17 years due to a famine that had brought his family there. As he neared the end of his life, he made a significant request to his son Joseph and his other sons: to not be buried in Egypt but to be taken back to the land promised to his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. This request was a testament to Jacob's unwavering faith in God's promises. He believed that, although he would not live to see it, God would fulfill His covenant and give his descendants the Promised Land.

Jacob's death narrative is unique in the Bible because of the extensive detail provided. While the deaths of other patriarchs are covered in a few verses, Jacob's passing is described over several chapters in Genesis. This attention underscores the importance of his faith and the way he died. In his final moments, Jacob blessed his sons and grandsons, leaving nothing unsaid, and died surrounded by his family. His life concluded with an act of worship, leaning on his staff, full of gratitude for God's faithfulness.

The way Jacob died—full of faith, overflowing with gratitude, and surrounded by family—is the way we should all aspire to leave this world. It's a reminder that our earthly pursuits should not overshadow the eternal perspective we are called to have. The story of Jacob encourages us to live with the end in mind, prioritizing our relationship with God and the legacy we leave behind.

Key Takeaways:

- Jacob's insistence on being buried in the Promised Land was not just about a final resting place; it was a declaration of faith in God's promises. Like Jacob, we should live our lives with the conviction that God's word is true and His promises will be fulfilled, even if we do not see them come to pass in our lifetime. This kind of faith shapes how we live and die, giving us hope beyond our earthly existence. [47:27 <5eeRt8rezZE>]

- Worship at the end of life, as demonstrated by Jacob, is a powerful testimony to a life lived in gratitude. No matter the trials we face or the pain we endure, maintaining a heart of worship is a profound witness to God's goodness. It's a reminder that our circumstances do not define our ability to give thanks but rather, our understanding of God's character and faithfulness does. [51:08 <5eeRt8rezZE>]

- The act of blessing his descendants was Jacob's way of ensuring that his faith would be passed down through the generations. We, too, have the responsibility to speak life and blessing into those who come after us, imparting wisdom and faith that can endure beyond our time on earth. This legacy of faith is one of the most valuable inheritances we can provide. [01:03:35 <5eeRt8rezZE>]

- The concept of finishing well is not reserved for biblical characters alone; it is a goal that every believer should strive for. Finishing well means remaining steadfast in our faith, devoted to God, and walking with Him daily. It is about living a life that, when it comes to an end, others can confidently say we were faithful servants of God. [37:52 <5eeRt8rezZE>]

- Death is an inevitable reality for all of us, but through Jesus, we have the assurance of dying 'good'—full of faith, gratitude, and in the company of loved ones. This assurance should motivate us to live each day with purpose, aligning our lives with God's will and cherishing the relationships He has given us. The way we approach death can be a testament to the life we've lived in Christ. [01:02:23 <5eeRt8rezZE>]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 47:28-31
2. Genesis 49:29-32
3. Hebrews 11:21

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant request did Jacob make to his son Joseph as he neared the end of his life? ([40:19])
2. How does the Bible describe Jacob's final act of worship? ([50:04])
3. What does Hebrews 11:21 highlight about Jacob's faith at the end of his life?
4. How many verses in Genesis are dedicated to the death of Jacob compared to other patriarchs? ([38:59])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was Jacob's request to be buried in the Promised Land a significant act of faith? ([45:49])
2. How does Jacob's act of blessing his descendants reflect his faith and priorities at the end of his life? ([55:45])
3. What does Jacob's worship at the end of his life, despite his physical ailments, teach us about gratitude and faith? ([50:04])
4. How does the extensive detail given to Jacob's death in Genesis emphasize the importance of finishing well in faith? ([38:59])

#### Application Questions
1. Jacob's faith in God's promises was unwavering, even though he wouldn't see them fulfilled in his lifetime. How can you cultivate a similar faith in God's promises in your own life? ([45:49])
2. Jacob blessed his descendants, ensuring his faith was passed down. How can you intentionally speak life and faith into the next generation in your family or community? ([55:45])
3. Despite his physical limitations and past hardships, Jacob worshiped God at the end of his life. What challenges are you facing that make it difficult to maintain a heart of worship, and how can you overcome them? ([50:04])
4. Jacob's life encourages us to live with the end in mind. What changes can you make today to ensure you finish your life strong in faith and gratitude? ([49:28])
5. Reflect on the relationships in your life. Are there any unresolved issues or unspoken words that you need to address to ensure you leave nothing unsaid, as Jacob did? ([55:45])
6. Jacob's story reminds us that our earthly pursuits should not overshadow our eternal perspective. What steps can you take to prioritize your relationship with God over worldly achievements? ([49:28])
7. How can you create a legacy of faith that will endure beyond your lifetime, similar to the legacy Jacob left for his descendants? ([55:45])

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Anchored in God's Promises
Faith is not merely a feeling or a momentary conviction; it is a steadfast trust in the promises of God, even when the fulfillment of those promises is beyond our sight. Jacob's insistence on being buried in the Promised Land was not a mere preference for his final resting place; it was a profound declaration of his unwavering belief in God's faithfulness. He lived his life with the assurance that God's word would come to pass, and this conviction shaped not only how he lived but also how he approached death. This kind of faith is a powerful testament to the hope we have in God's eternal promises and should inspire us to live with a similar conviction, knowing that our lives are part of a larger divine narrative that extends beyond our earthly existence. [47:27]

"For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, 'Surely I will bless you and multiply you.' And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise." - Hebrews 6:13-15 ESV

Reflection: How does the assurance of God's promises shape your daily decisions and long-term aspirations?

Day 2: Worship as a Testament to God's Goodness
True worship is not contingent upon our circumstances but is a response to the unchanging character and faithfulness of God. Jacob's life, filled with both trials and blessings, culminated in an act of worship, demonstrating a heart of gratitude that transcended his earthly experiences. Worship at the end of life is a powerful testimony to a life lived in recognition of God's goodness. It is a reminder that our ability to give thanks is not defined by our situations but by our understanding of who God is. This perspective allows us to maintain a heart of worship throughout our lives, regardless of the challenges we may face. [51:08]

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." - Hebrews 13:15 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a heart of worship, even in the midst of life's difficulties?

Day 3: Legacy of Faith Through Blessing
The act of blessing is a powerful means of imparting wisdom, hope, and faith to future generations. Jacob's deliberate blessings to his sons and grandsons were his way of ensuring that the legacy of faith he cherished would be carried on. This intentional act of speaking life into the next generation is a responsibility that each believer carries. By doing so, we contribute to a heritage of faith that can influence countless lives long after we have departed this earth. The words we speak and the faith we demonstrate can become a lasting inheritance, more valuable than any material possession. [01:03:35]

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." - Psalm 145:4 ESV

Reflection: What are specific ways you can speak life and blessing into the lives of those who come after you?

Day 4: The Pursuit of Finishing Well
Finishing well is an aspiration that requires daily dedication to walking faithfully with God. It is not reserved for the final moments of life but is a goal that is pursued with each step we take. Jacob's steadfastness in his faith serves as a model for us, encouraging us to remain devoted to God throughout our lives. To finish well means to live in such a way that, at the end of our journey, we can be remembered as faithful servants who walked closely with the Lord. This pursuit shapes our character, our choices, and ultimately, the legacy we leave behind. [37:52]

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7 ESV

Reflection: What daily habits can you develop to ensure that you are living a life that is faithful to God's calling?

Day 5: Embracing Death with Faith and Gratitude
Death is an inevitable part of the human experience, but for believers, it can be approached with faith, gratitude, and the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. This assurance is rooted in the hope we have through Jesus Christ. The way we live each day—aligning our lives with God's will and cherishing our relationships—prepares us for the moment we meet our Creator. The manner in which we face death can be a powerful testament to the life we've lived in Christ, full of faith and gratitude. [01:02:23]

"None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." - Romans 14:7-8 ESV

Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects a heart full of faith and gratitude, knowing that each day is a gift from God?

Quotes

1) "Jacob's insistence on being buried in the Promised Land was not just about a final resting place; it was a declaration of faith in God's promises. Like Jacob, we should live our lives with the conviction that God's word is true and His promises will be fulfilled, even if we do not see them come to pass in our lifetime." [47:27 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

2) "Worship at the end of life, as demonstrated by Jacob, is a powerful testimony to a life lived in gratitude. No matter the trials we face or the pain we endure, maintaining a heart of worship is a profound witness to God's goodness." [51:08 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

3) "The act of blessing his descendants was Jacob's way of ensuring that his faith would be passed down through the generations. We, too, have the responsibility to speak life and blessing into those who come after us, imparting wisdom and faith that can endure beyond our time on earth." [56:19 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

4) "The concept of finishing well is not reserved for biblical characters alone; it is a goal that every believer should strive for. Finishing well means remaining steadfast in our faith, devoted to God, and walking with Him daily." [37:52 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

5) "Death is an inevitable reality for all of us, but through Jesus, we have the assurance of dying 'good'—full of faith, gratitude, and in the company of loved ones. This assurance should motivate us to live each day with purpose, aligning our lives with God's will and cherishing the relationships He has given us." [01:02:23 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

6) "Jacob's life, full of faith and standing on the promises of God, is a testament to the belief that God's promises will come to pass. We should aspire to have the same faith at the end of our lives, trusting in God's fulfillment of His word." [49:28 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

7) "Jacob, at the end of his life, was not only full of faith but also overflowing with gratitude. Despite his failing body and eyesight, he was still worshiping God, showing us the importance of gratitude and praise even in our final days." [50:04 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

8) "Jacob's death narrative is unique in the Bible because of the extensive detail provided. This attention underscores the importance of his faith and the way he died, leaving a legacy of righteousness and devotion to God." [38:27 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

9) "Jacob's final act of ensuring nothing was left unsaid to his family is a powerful example of how we should approach our own mortality. Speaking blessings and love to our descendants is a way to leave a lasting impact beyond our years." [56:51 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

10) "Jacob's life concluded with an act of worship, leaning on his staff, full of gratitude for God's faithfulness. His example teaches us that our earthly pursuits should not overshadow the eternal perspective we are called to have." [53:19 <5eeRt8rezZE>]( | | )

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Transcript
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