GIVING UP THE GHOST: THE WILL TO LIVE
“Jacob finished instructing his sons, pulled his feet into bed, breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 49:33 MSG
Sometimes, we read the Bible and pick and choose what we believe is possible or relevant to our time, thinking that certain things applied only to the people of the past.
But let’s look at Jacob’s death for a moment. Jacob knew his time was coming, so he gathered his strength and blessed his sons. The Bible says that Jacob “pulled his feet into bed” and “breathed his last.” In Hebrew, this means that he calmly and peacefully chose to rest. He wasn’t just physically tired; he was at peace with his time on earth coming to an end. This act of calmly giving up his life foreshadowed Jesus, who also “gave up His ghost” on the cross, knowing no one could take His life from Him (Luke 23:46).
As believers, we also have the power over our own lives. Just like Jacob and Jesus, your life is not something that can be taken from you until you choose it. And for those of us who are in Christ, death is only but a means to gather us back to Him and His people that went ahead. We are confident that wherever there is a death of one in Christ, it only precedes a resurrection.
Praise God!
Prayer: Father, I thank you for this profound revelation you have brought to us. You gave us dominion, wisdom and power over all creatures and we grow daily in understanding and possession of this truth. Strengthen us and transform our minds to embrace these truths by your spirit, in Jesus name! Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Genesis 25:8
• Acts 5:5
• John 19:30
