Scripture Reading: Genesis 50:22-26
Them Bones
Intro.
The Bible tells the story of bones that teach us to trust in and obey God. They teach us to have confidence to faithfully endure (because God is faithful and true to the faithful).
I. THE BONES OF JOSEPH.
A. The Faith of Joseph in God’s Promise, Heb. 11:22; Gen. 50:24-26.
1. God gave His word, cf. Gen. 48:21 (46:3-4).
2. God has promised us a land; heaven, Phil. 3:20 (Heb. 11:16).
B. Joseph’s Faith Urged Israel to Have Patience and Endure, Gen. 50:25: “God will surely visit you” (give attention to you).
1. 430 years passed before fulfillment, Exod. 12:40-41.
2. In the meantime, terrible burden of slavery (Exod. 1:11-14).
3. Israel remembered God’s word (promises), and God remembered His promises to them, Exod. 2:23-25.
4. Through faith and patience, we inherit the promises, Heb. 6:12.
a. The testing time can be long, and the trials of our faith can be severe, 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 3:13-17 (Matt. 10:22; James 1:12).
b. Remember God’s promises to us, 2 Pet. 1:4.
1) Promise of a Savior and salvation (Acts 13:23, 32-33; 2:39).
2) Promise of eternal life (1 John 2:25).
3) Promise not to forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6).
4) Promise of all spiritual blessings (prayer, provisions, etc.).
5) Promise of an inheritance (heaven), Gal. 3:29 (Rom. 8:17).
c. God always remembers His promise and people (Heb. 13:5).
C. Faith Requires Obedience to be Complete, Exod. 13:19.
1. Israel had to remember God’s promise and their oath to Joseph.
2. Faith compels us to remember our oath to obey God,
3. Faithful Moses remembered Israel’s solemn oath, Exod. 13:19.
D. The Faith of Israel and the Burial of Joseph’s Bones, Josh. 24:31-32.
1. God’s exceeding and great promises to us, 2 Pet. 1:4.
2. Like Joseph, we believe God will deliver us through every trial unto the day of eternal glory (1 Pet. 1:3-9).
II. DRY BONES, Ezek. 37:1-14.
-Delta Rhythm Boys (vocal group from 1934 to 1987): “Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones.”
A. Israel Was Spiritually Dead in Sin, Exiled in a Foreign Land.
1. Yet, God would not destroy the nation completely, Jer. 30:11; Ezek. 11:16-20.
2. He would bring the nation back to life.
B. Resurrection of the Nation of Israel, Ezek. 37:11 (28:25-26; 36:36).
1. God saved a remnant of Israel through which He sent salvation and a kingdom by His Messiah, Ezek. 37:24.
2. Lesson: God always accomplishes His purposes, Luke 18:27.
3. Lesson: God saves His people, Heb. 12:22-24, 28.
III. BONE OF MY BONES, Gen. 2:23.
A. The Union of Marriage, Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:28-30.
1. Christ and His church, Eph. 5:30-32.
2. Life companions; One throughout life.
IV. NONE OF HIS BONES WAS BROKEN.
-Like the Passover lamb, none of Christ’s bones were broken when He sacrificed Himself for our deliverance from the bondage of sin, Exod. 12:46; John 19:36 (Ps. 34:20); 1 Cor. 5:7.
Conclusion
1. Bones tell tales of life, struggles, defeats, victories, and finally death.
2. Our bones will be gloriously raised on the last, great day, John 5:28-29.
3. Trust God, obey His will, and be saved by the sacrifice of Jesus.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted October 30, 2025