Dying by Faith
Near the end of his life, Jacob’s final acts were defined by worship, trust in God’s promises, and assurance of his covenant blessings. Despite the trials of his journey, Jacob’s dying moments show a man fully satisfied in God’s provision and sovereignty—a model for our own faith.
In Hebrews 11:21, the author commemorates Jacob’s faith: “By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” This moment wasn’t merely a formal blessing; it was an act of deep trust in God’s unchanging promises. Jacob’s confidence wasn’t rooted in what he could see—he was still far from the Promised Land—but in the God who had proven Himself faithful time and again.
What would it look like for us to have faith like Jacob? Faith that worships even when circumstances seem unfulfilled? Faith that focuses not on what we lack but on the goodness of God’s character and promises?
Jacob’s story reminds us that faith rests on what God has already accomplished. In Genesis 48, Jacob recounts how God appeared to him, blessed him, and promised to make his descendants a great nation. Similarly, our faith grows when we meditate on the ways God has already demonstrated His faithfulness in our lives—through salvation, provision, and countless answered prayers.
Jacob’s adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh also reveals the radical reliance of faith. By elevating these grandsons to inherit alongside his sons, Jacob acted in bold trust that God would fulfill His promise of an inheritance, even though Jacob himself wouldn’t live to see it. This mirrors our adoption into God’s family (Ephesians 1:4-5). Like Ephraim and Manasseh, we bring nothing to earn our place, yet God graciously makes us heirs through Jesus Christ.
Finally, Jacob’s faith endured to the end. He died worshiping God, confident in His promises. This challenges us to live each day anchored in Christ, trusting that His provision is sufficient for every need.
What are you resting in today? Only Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, can truly satisfy. Like Jacob, let us worship Him with lives marked by faith and trust, confident that God’s promises never fail.--Pastor Chris
In Hebrews 11:21, the author commemorates Jacob’s faith: “By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” This moment wasn’t merely a formal blessing; it was an act of deep trust in God’s unchanging promises. Jacob’s confidence wasn’t rooted in what he could see—he was still far from the Promised Land—but in the God who had proven Himself faithful time and again.
What would it look like for us to have faith like Jacob? Faith that worships even when circumstances seem unfulfilled? Faith that focuses not on what we lack but on the goodness of God’s character and promises?
Jacob’s story reminds us that faith rests on what God has already accomplished. In Genesis 48, Jacob recounts how God appeared to him, blessed him, and promised to make his descendants a great nation. Similarly, our faith grows when we meditate on the ways God has already demonstrated His faithfulness in our lives—through salvation, provision, and countless answered prayers.
Jacob’s adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh also reveals the radical reliance of faith. By elevating these grandsons to inherit alongside his sons, Jacob acted in bold trust that God would fulfill His promise of an inheritance, even though Jacob himself wouldn’t live to see it. This mirrors our adoption into God’s family (Ephesians 1:4-5). Like Ephraim and Manasseh, we bring nothing to earn our place, yet God graciously makes us heirs through Jesus Christ.
Finally, Jacob’s faith endured to the end. He died worshiping God, confident in His promises. This challenges us to live each day anchored in Christ, trusting that His provision is sufficient for every need.
What are you resting in today? Only Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, can truly satisfy. Like Jacob, let us worship Him with lives marked by faith and trust, confident that God’s promises never fail.--Pastor Chris
Recent
Archive
2024
May
July
August
September
October
November
Categories
no categories