Knowing the reality of physical death
(NASB) Genesis 48:21 “Then Israel (Jacob) said to Joseph, ‘Behold, I am about to die… ”

Jacob knew he was about to die – we will all die unless as followers of Christ we will be “raptured” by Christ Himself.

(NASB) 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

Knowing the reality of God’s presence
(NASB) Genesis 48:21 “… but God will be with you… ”

Jacob knew that the living God would be with his son, Joseph.  Jacob had experienced the reality of God’s presence over the years and in many circumstances.
(Read Genesis 27-37; 42-48)

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, and was given the name Jesus which means He will save His people from their sins.  He was also given the name Immanuel which means God with us.  Matthew 1:21, 23

Jesus came to save you from your sins.  He also came with the promise of His presence, the promise of always being with all those who know Him as their Savior.

Do you know Him as your Savior?

Do you know the reality of His presence with you every day, every step of the way?

Knowing the reality of God’s promises
(NASB) Genesis 48:21 “… and bring you back to the land of your fathers.”

Jacob-Israel was told by God Himself “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (NASB Genesis 28:15)

Knowing the reality of God’s promises to you is to live by faith in what He says He will do.
Will Jesus ask you as He asked His disciples at one point, “Do you still have no faith?”  (Mark 4:40)

~ Take it to heart ~

Followers of Christ –
We will know the reality of our physical death (unless we are “raptured”)

Are we living like we know the reality of God’s presence with us?

Are we daily clinging to the reality of God’s promises?