You would think freedom would travel light. But when God's people began their walk out of Egypt, they carried a few important things with them. They brought jewels and clothing that they plundered from the Egyptians. Commentators link that to what God told Abraham more than 400 years earlier, that his descendants would have "great possessions."
And they also brought bones. Like the literal bones of Joseph. In his last days, Joseph made the people of God swear that "when God comes to you, you shall carry up my bones from here." So, more than 300 years later, they did.
Now, that may feel like an unnecessary burden. It's certainly extra weight, especially considering the urgency of the situation. But those bones were a witness.
Joseph died in Egypt, but his faith reached forward into a future he would never see. So, Israel is walking out of bondage, not just with freedom, but with faith already on their shoulders.
Joseph's bones carried a memory of faith. They reminded the people that God makes promises that outlive lifetimes. Even in their suffering and oppression, those bones were still there. They were always an affirmation that they didn't yet know and couldn't yet make. That God would be faithful to God's promise.
So, they were also carrying a legacy. They were walking in a promise that didn’t start with them. And neither are you.
There are prayers you are living in that you didn’t pray. Doors are opening because someone before you believed, even when they had no evidence. There is faith in your life right now that has been passed down, carried forward, and held onto through valleys and seasons you never experienced.
So, think about what you're carrying with you into God's freedom. And consider what has been entrusted to you to carry forward as well.
Stay blessed...john
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