I don't think I've ever seen the significance of this verse before. I've previously thought of Joseph's desire to be buried with his ancestors in his homeland, but there's so much more to it than a lasting resting place for Joseph's bones. This request is one of tremendous faith.
Joseph's request is evidence that he still trusted God to fulfill His word concerning the Promised Land. Joseph believed with all his heart that one day the Lord would lead them back to Canaan, and when He did, Joseph desired to go too. This spoken desire by a dying man showed such an incredible heart of belief that it is recorded in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews. "It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left." (Hebrews 11:22)
Scripture tells us that the Egyptians embalmed Joseph and his body was placed in a coffin. For the next 400 years this visual would be a silent testimony to the people of Israel that they would one day return home.
Joseph's words need to mark our vocabulary. It's not "if" God comes, or "should" God come, but "when God comes". Although the timing is uncertain, the truth of the provision is not. Joseph didn't see the fulfillment of the promise, but he didn't doubt the fruition of it.
Some promises from God take a very long time to fulfill. Joseph died believing in and looking forward to the unfolding of God's plan. Today my encouragement is: don't stop believing! Whatever you're waiting to see God fulfill in your life, keep praying...keep trusting...keep hoping...keep looking with expectation. If God has said it, He will surely do it!
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