Genesis 50:1-21 “Mourning Israel”

“When they arrived at the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan River, they held a very great and solemn memorial service, with a seven-day period of mourning for Joseph’s father.”
Genesis 50:10 (NLT)

Grief is a dark valley we must all pass through. The death of a loved one robs us of companionship and influence. While we who trust Christ do not grieve as those who have no hope, we still grieve. Today we see that they all mourned for Israel seventy days in Egypt and seven days in Canaan.

My father, step-father (who raised me), and mother have all gone to be with the Lord. I’m thankful for the blessed hope I have that I will see them again. But it is a long wait until we are reunited.

But there is a comfort that God alone can give.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NLT)

Bereavement is hard. For many, this is followed by loneliness and maybe even regret. But we don’t have to endure it alone.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

In this dark valley there are no easy answers, no quick fixes; only an abiding comfort that our heavenly Father will never leave our side, and an abiding hope that one day there will be a great reunion.