SERMON NOTES (Oct 16, 2016): Leaving with Grace - Gen 47:27-31

Leaving with Grace – Gen 47:27-31

There comes a time in everyone’s life (date – dash – date) where it is appointed unto man once to die. ILL. Marathon – finishing well.

     1.       God’s Provision - our Needs (vs 27-28)

Story: How Much Land Does a Man Need? Leo Tolstoy

3 things we really want the Lord to provide up to death:

·         Needs for Life vs. Wants in Life

Remember Jacob’s famine – moved to Egypt via Joseph’s blessing.

·         Length of Life – “147 Years” cf. Ps. 90:10; Ex 20:12

o    As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. – Ps 90:10

o    “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” – Ex 20:12

Remember Esau’s threats – Jacob could have been killed when he met up with his brother whom he had cheated.

·         Hope in Life through Family

Remember Joseph’s slavery- thought his favorite son was dead; found him.

God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4:19

App. What do you think you really need in life? What provision have you arranged for your family in your death? Financial? Relational? Daddy’s request: “always love each other”

Transition- Humility: Set in 1876, The Last Samurai “No, I will tell you how he lived.”

      2.       God’s Preparation - our Trust (vs 29-30)

·         Family Covenant – hand under thigh

Question:  What covenants have you made with your family beyond financial provision? Daddy’s request: “take care of your mama” “always love each other”

·         Final Arrangements – witness

Question:  What witness of the Gospel have you left for your children/grandchildren? Do they know your testimony? What arrangements have you made for your funeral?

App. Have you witnessed to your loved ones?

Transition: Graveyard. Don’t let your epitaph be only what’s written on your gravestone facing east. Let it be your spiritual covenant of trust with your family.

      

      3.       God’s Promise - our Legacy (vs 31)

·         Oath- Jacob made Joseph promise.

·         Worship- prayerful memorable worship together.

·         Place- at the head of the bed. Place my Daddy brought my brother and me often was into his study. It was a holy place, dedicated to serving God and making decisions…

Conclusion: Brooks & Dunn – struggle with death & dying: Believe.