January 18 - Genesis 47:28-50:26

Good morning everyone,

This morning as we finish up the book of Genesis, Jacob at a hundred and forty-seven years old is living the last days of his life and wants to get a few things in place before he is called home. First he sends for Joseph and makes him swear not to bury him in Egypt, but to make sure he is taken back to his homeland to be buried. That’s reasonable request.

It wasn’t too long after that when Joseph got word Jacob was ill. So he took his two boys, Manasseh and Ephraim to go see their grandfather while they still could. We’re told that Jacob, Israel, rallied his strength and sat up on the bed to meet with them. That made my heart smile. While there, Israel would give the boys their blessings. Tradition would have the older son receiving nearly all of the inheritance, however, 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 the first born Manasseh who will receive the greater blessing. God often works in unexpected ways. Right? Surprising us at times by choosing the less obvious person to carry out his plans.

In chapter forty-nine Jacob called for his sons to gather around him so he could bless them and make a prediction about each one’s future. The way they had lived their lives played an important part in Jacob’s blessing and prophecy. It begs the question, how are you living your life? Now stay with me here, by sunrise tomorrow, our actions of today will have become part of our past, shaping our future. Deep! Right? :-) So as we mosey on down the dusty road of life, we seriously should stop to consider what actions we should choose or avoid to shape our future. Make sense?

When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last and of course his wishes were honored by Joseph. After which Joseph would return to Egypt and live to be a hundred and ten years old. Joseph was ready to die. He had no doubts God would one day bring all the Israelites back to their homeland. It brought to mind Pastor Chuck Smith and how content he was in the last days of his life. He loved living and doing the Lord’s work but towards the end, though I didn’t know him personally, all the media and interviews I saw on him revealed he was ready to go home. He was so content and the Lord’s light clearly shown through him.  Awesome example!

So concludes the book of Genesis which gave us a look at many great men and women who walked with God. You know, sometimes they succeeded, sometimes they failed but their courage and motivation all came from realizing God was with them despite how inadequate they were. We all feel overwhelmed at times but Isaiah 41:10 encourages us with, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Let God be your strength. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..