Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave… which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial place… There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah.” (Genesis 49:29-31)
The end of Jacob’s life should serve as a reminder for all of us that we were made for a different place. After moving to Egypt to spend his final years in the presence of his beloved Joseph, Jacob made it clear that he was not to be buried in Egypt. Why? Because he knew that wasn’t his home. God had promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and to his descendents, and Jacob knew that they were in Egypt but for a short time.
The same is true for us.
We are here on earth, but this is not our final dwelling place.
Those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus’ forgiveness of sins through His death on the cross have hope of a heavenly home where they will dwell with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the other people of faith from Scripture and through the history of mankind. Don’t get too settled in here because you were made for a different place.
Lord, help me to live my life with the understanding that my days on this earth are only the precursor to the eternity that I get to spend with You. Help me to make the most of each day I have here, and let me live in light of eternity.
One of my favorite musicians, Marc Scibilia, has a great song that goes along with this theme. Here’s the music video for, “Ain’t My Home.”
I struggle with this…. I know I want to spend eternity in heaven but have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I will have to leave my children and family here one day and won’t be with them again until they pass and hopefully join me.. I love my life now and have a hard time thinking of my life being different but I know it will be glorious because I will be with our Heavenly Father
Kelly, I know what you mean. I rest in the fact that heaven will be infinitely better than anything I’ve experienced here on earth and that one day I’ll be joined by my loved ones. I really appreciate your thoughts.