Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Jacob's last years brought an evening of tranquility and rest
after a troubled and weary day. Dark clouds had gathered above his
path, yet his sun set clear, and the radiance of heaven lighted up his
parting hours. Says the Scripture, "At evening time it shall ... be
light" (Zechariah 14:7). "Mark the blameless man, and observe the
upright; for the future of that man is peace" (Psalm 37:37).
Inspiration faithfully records the faults of good people who
were distinguished by the favor of God. This has given the infidel
opportunities to scoff at the Bible, but it is one of the strongest
evidences of the truth of Scripture that it does not gloss over the
facts or suppress the sins of its chief characters. If the Bible had
been written by uninspired persons, it would surely have presented
its honored characters in a more flattering light.
Seeing where others struggled through discouragements like
our own, where they fell when tempted as we have done and yet
took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are
encouraged in our quest for righteousness. Though sometimes they
were beaten back, they recovered their ground and were blessed by
God. So we too may be overcomers in the strength of Jesus. On the
other hand, the record of their lives may serve as a warning to us.
God sees sin in His most favored ones, and He deals with it in them
even more strictly than in those who have less light and
responsibility.
After the death and burial of Jacob, fear again filled the hearts
of Joseph's brothers. They were conscious of their guilt, and this
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