January 18 - Genesis 47:28-50:26

Good morning everyone,

Today we will finish up the book of Genesis and what a great read it has been. We open up this morning with Jacob knowing that his time to die is drawing near, calls for Joseph asks him to promise to take Israel to be buried with his ancestors, after he dies. I liked how Jacob made sure he had Joseph’s undivided attention by placing Joseph’s hand under his thigh, he would have to look him in the eye, understand what was being said. How many times do you feel like you need to ask someone to look up from their phone or other electronic to get their attention. Imagine their surprise if you took their hand and placed it under your thigh. :-)

Not long after that Joseph would get word that Israel was failing rapidly and take his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim up to visit him. While there Israel would give the boys their blessings and once again just like with, Able not Cain, Isaac not Ishmael, Jacob not Esau, Joseph not Rueben, Moses not Aaron it will be Joseph’s younger son Ephraim  not Manasseh who will receive the greater blessing. Joseph was a little upset by this but Israel reassured him that although Manasseh will become a great people, his younger brother will become even greater and his descendants will become a multitude of nations. It is so like God to use the “lesser” to achieve the greater even to the point of sending His son into this world with nothing.  

I love in chapter 48:15-16 it says: Then he blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,the Angel who has delivered me from all harm —may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly on the earth.”  Jacob, Israel, spoke of God as his shepherd throughout his life. In his old age he could see his dependence upon God all of his life, what a remarkable change from the Jacob of old. The scheming, dishonest Jacob who tricked his brother out of his birth right and blessing instead of waiting on God to provide it for him. When we chase after things that we want and want now, we’re often willing to do anything, even if it is wrong in order to get it. The wrong doesn’t have to be as drastic as murder or stealing it could be abusing your credit cards, not using wisely the allotment God has given you. Sin is sin, wrong is wrong but to follow God and do as He commands is right. It is better to trust Him and realize all the good that comes from that.

Well, Israel dies then later at the age of 110 Joseph dies too but before he does he does he tells his brothers, “ God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.” Great promise!!

I loved that you read through it with me, tomorrow I look forward to beginning the book of Job.

I pray you have a great day today.

God bless you all.