Reading about Jacob's death struck a chord with me today. Both of my parents have already passed away so I've experienced and gone through what Joseph is dealing with here in Genesis 49:28-50:14. There were a number of things that I noticed. First, was how Joseph honored Jacob both in life and in death. And, I loved how Joseph wasn't embarrassed to openly show his emotions and his deep love for his father. Finally, this passage was also a nice reminder for me of the importance of taking care of family.
So what does this passage show us about the whole process of aging and death, particularly as it pertains to family? How can you use or draw on these verses when it comes to dealing and coping with the death of a loved one? Tami W.
Death and Family
From what I read from the time of the death to his burial it was a very long time. Today we try to have this process done with in 3 to 5 days and than the griving period. But the family never fought over what their father said or did and they stuck together. They let their father rest in peace. I believe this is how God intended for us to be but we live in a time that is very selfcentered and greedy.
My father died last September. He was 87 and had lived a wonderful life. He confided in me that he knew he was dying and that he was okay with that. He told me that God had always blessed him and taken care of him and he would continue to do so even after death. His only worry was that my mother be taken care of. I assured him that she would be well provided for. While I miss him on Earth I know that his death was a blessing(brain cancer). I mourned my fathers death, but also rejoiced in his faith and his eternal life.
I agree with Doug- we expect people to be done in 3-5 days. And when they have problems coping we send them to grief counseling. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have friends and family available to you for 70 days?
One last thought-talk to your loved ones about your faith, your wishes. The subject of death seems very difficult with those we love, yet Jacob knew exactly what he wanted, he was able to bless all of his sons. Think of how much they (we) would not have know if he had decided it was just to hard to talk about death.
The time of mourning that accompanies death is vital, especially when it comes to family. Joseph would have to deal with another emotionally trying experience with his brothers not too long after his father's death, and his having grieved in a full and Godly fashion helped him in handling that situation properly.