Genesis 50:5

New International Version (NIV)

‘My father made me swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.’”

For meditation

“I am God, the God of your father,” He said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s hand will close your eyes. (Gen. 46:3-4)” With that, Jacob went down to his son, Joseph, in Egypt. Now, Israel was dead, and Joseph moved to honor the word of his father (49:29-30) with a request to Pharaoh, “Let me go up and bury my father; then I will return. (50:5). Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do. (6)” A father’s request; a son honors!

1. As tomorrow knocks on our doors with opportunity to honor fathers, what do you have for this special day?
2. Is there any special something between you and your dad that demands attention and honor?
3. As Joseph remembered the desire of his father, Jacob, to be buried in the land of Canaan where his fathers were buried (Gen. 49:29-32) and sought to honor it (50:5); does a special desire of your father come to mind that deserves to be honored by you?
4. Do you remember the expression of your father’s heart concerning your walk with the Lord when the two of you shared that special moment together, as David did with Solomon on his death bed (1 Kings 2:2-3)? Could this be the time to remember and move to honor him with a renewed determination to draw closer to God?
5. More than that. On this Father’s Day, can we all celebrate the love of our Father in Heaven and move to honor Him with all heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk. 10:27)? While we’re at it; can we add all our material wealth to the sacrifice on His altar (Mk. 10:21)? Is that not our greatest honor to Him who gave His best for our sake (Jn. 3:16)?

I pray we remember fatherhood as a great institution worthy of honor; that we may live with integrity before God, and to receive honor from our children.

So: May you have a great Father’s Day celebration tomorrow; and may it be a day of reconciliation for all who are estranged from our fathers – especially, from our Father in heaven.

As David promised Solomon, “Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go” (1 Kings 2:3).

Shalom