Imagine being so sure about where you’re going after you die that you make plans for it! That’s exactly what Joseph (in Genesis) did! Joseph lived in Egypt his whole adult life. He even became a super important leader there. When Joseph died, the Egyptians did what they always did with important people: They mummified him and put him in a fancy coffin.

But before Joseph died, he made his family promise something: “When God brings our people back to the Promised Land of Canaan, take my bones with you!” Joseph didn’t want to stay in Egypt forever. Even though he had lived there for years, he never forgot that Egypt wasn’t his real home. His real home was with God’s people in the land God had promised!

And you know what? His family kept that promise! When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt hundreds of years later, they took Joseph’s bones with them. Joseph was finally buried in the Promised Land, just like he wanted!

We’re kind of like Joseph! This earth isn’t our final home. If we know Jesus, we’re going to heaven someday. No matter how crazy the world gets, we can remember that we’re on our way to something WAY better!

Take Action: Get creative and make a picture of what you think heaven looks like! If you want to see how the Bible describes it, read Revelation 21 and 22. While you’re drawing, think about how amazing it will be to actually BE there someday! When you’re done, show your picture to your family and talk together about what you’re most excited about when you think about heaven. Remember, no matter how wonderful your picture is, the real heaven will be even better than we can imagine!