Genesis 48:1-22

Genesis 48: 1-22 (summarized)

Jacob became ill and Joseph was informed of it. Hence, Joseph with his sons Manasseh and Ephraim came to see his father. Learning about Joseph’s arrival enabled Jacob to regain his strength and sit up on bed. In their meeting Jacob spoke of God’s blessing of him at Luz in the land of Canaan. Then, he declared his adoption of Joseph’s sons saying, ““Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.  Any children born to you after them will be yours; in the territory they inherit they will be reckoned under the names of their brothers.” When Jacob noticed Manasseh and Ephraim, he asked Joseph about them and as he knew them he prompted Joseph to let them come close to him for his blessing. Joseph situated Ephraim towards his father’s left hand as Ephraim was younger and placed Manasseh towards Jacob’s right hand as he was the firstborn.  However, Jacob put his right hand upon Ephraim’s head and his left on Mannaseh’s head as he blessed them. Joseph got displeased and attempted to make his father did otherwise but Jacob disfavored the idea and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.” He blessed them that day and said, “In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ ” So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers.  And to you I give one more ridge of land than to your brothers, the ridge I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.”

Message:

This chapter made me deeply understand the concept of blessing, God’s blessing upon those who believe in Him and reflect Him in their lives. Jacob had been God’s believer since birth. He went astray yes, but he repented and faithfully pursued God’s will after that. Thus, he including his family achieved all of God’s promises. Further, Jacob’s act of blessing the assumed undeserving (based on tradition) Manasseh instilled in me the comprehension of God’s favor to people whom others presumed to be unworthy. Matthew Henry explained, “Grace observes not the order of nature, nor does God prefer those whom we think fittest to be preferred, but as it pleases him.”

Application:

I will keep my faith in God and see to it that I reflect Him in my life that I may be worthy of His blessing and promises. Also, I will further my cause of making Him known to my family members and others for the sake of salvation.

Prayer:

Dear Lord the One whose blessing is desired by all and whose provisions never cease thank you for everything. Thank you Father for making me understand that I’m not supposed to question Your blessing upon people whom I think are unworthy of it. Thank You Lord for letting me realize that it’s not about my judgment or the culture’s order but Your preferment that matters Lord. Forgive me God if I did think negatively as I witnessed such situations. Just like Jacob Lord, bless me discernment that I may feel the Holy Spirit’s counsel and depend on it in instances that I need to decide on significant matters especially where Your preference is concerned. Make me an educator who will not just deliver academic lessons to my students but also Your message thru my actions. Father, guide me as I strive to strengthen my faith in You and to impart this message to those whom I talk to. This I pray, in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.