Untraditional
Read This Week: Genesis 48
When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused 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. – Genesis 48:17-19 NIV
Like in chapter 47, Genesis 48 chronicles Jacob’s final days. He has already blessed Joseph and given his last wishes and funeral arrangements. Jacob has already said that he can die peacefully because he has seen and knows his youngest son is alive and prospering. Now, he wants to give another benediction to his family. He calls for Joseph to bring his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to receive his blessing.
Jacob begins his speech by recounting God’s promise to him at Bethel, where the Lord blessed him and promised to make his descendants numerous and give them the Canaan land (v. 3-4). This recall of Yahweh’s faithfulness sets the tone for the blessings that Jacob is about to bestow upon his grandsons. Interestingly, Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons as his own, placing them on equal footing with his other sons. This adoption is significant as it ensures that Joseph receives a double portion of the inheritance, a privilege usually reserved for the firstborn. Jacob says in verse 5:
“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”
When it comes time to bless the boys, Jacob crosses his hands, placing his right hand on the younger Ephraim and his left on the older Manasseh. Joseph attempts to correct his father, but Jacob insists that Ephraim will be more blessed than Manasseh (v. 17-19). This act of crossing his hands is not merely a physical gesture but a prophetic one, indicating the future prominence of Ephraim.
The reversal of the blessing—Ephraim over Manasseh—highlights God’s sovereign choice, which often defies human expectations and conventions. Throughout the Bible, God frequently chooses the younger over the older (e.g., Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, David over his brothers). This underscores that His plans and purposes are not bound by human traditions or expectations. In a world that often values status, custom, and requirements, we are reminded that God’s ways are higher than ours. It also encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and His ability to work through unconventional means or avenues that may not make sense to us.
As we reflect on our own legacies, let’s consider how we can pass on faith, wisdom, and blessings to the next generation, to our children, and to young people we have the opportunity to invest in as a coach, teacher, or mentor. Whether through our kids, mentees, or communities, we have the chance to impact the future with the values and truths we hold dear. May we let these Scriptures inspire us to trust in God’s promises and His timing, even when the journey seems long and arduous. Like Jacob and Joseph, we can hold onto the assurance that God’s plans are for our good and His glory.
Genesis 48 challenges us to be untraditional, not bound by what has always been done, but to seek the Lord Jesus for what He wants us to do. It calls us to take risks with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to accomplish big things for the mission and the kingdom. It urges us to look beyond the surface, to see God’s hand at work in the details of our lives, and to trust in His ultimate plan. May we, like Jacob, have the faith to lead and bless the next generation as we walk confidently in God’s promises.
Genesis Chapter 48 Verse 15
Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day.
Genesis Chapter 48 Verse 16
The “redeeming Angel [that Is, the Angel the Redeemer– Not a created being but the Lord Himself] Who has redeemed me continually from every evil, bless the lads! And let my name be perpetuated in them. [may they be worthy of having their names coupled with mine], and the names of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac; and left them become a multitude in the midst of the earth.
~ covenant inheritance~
God Is Saying To Me:
My child, just like the forefathers in Genesis, Abraham, Isaac and Israel, you too are an heir to the grace, mercy and blessings from me. I am the great Shepherd, the leader of the world and the provider of all nations. Continue to walk habitually with me, allowing me to lead and feed you not only in the flesh but in the Spirit. I too, bless you with arms wide open, my heart bursting at the seams with pride and with an abundance of love. So go now and continue to plant seeds of hope, speaking of eternal salvation and bringing others into the fold of my great stewardship.
What This Means To Me:
1. Being a servant of God is part of being a warrior for Him, to share our faith and Hope to Future generational family and those that come after us.
2. It is important to truly understand that we are heirs to the throne of God. Share experiences as stories of God’s favor in your life so others can truly see and understand the depth of God’s blessings available for their lives as well.
3. Help others to understand how faithful God is to His children and that He wants to shepherd and feed us all for the glorification of Him and the Kingdom.
4. Lastly, tell others about the covenant promises of Abraham and how they do not have to remain separated from God because of sin. We are heirs to the special inheritance and spiritual bloodline as well!
~ Covenant Inheritance~
Genesis 48:15 Then Jacob (Israel) blessed Joseph, and said,
“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked [in faithful obedience],
The God who has been my Shepherd [leading and caring for me] all my life to this day,
16
The [d]Angel [that is, the Lord Himself] who has redeemed me [continually] from all evil,
Bless the boys;
I love this scene Jacob”s heart sharing his faith with Joseph and his sons
Blessing Joseph and his sons with his heart of love for God and teaching them about his fathers walk with God and his walk with God and sharing with them that God had been his Shepherd leading him and caring for him all his life and that the Lord Himself had redeemed him continually.
Jacob blessed his sons by adopting them so they could receive the inheritance.
We too have been adopted and we are redeemed and we are blessed too!
It say in
Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have [d]received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,
Thank you Father that I am your child and a apart of Your family and I am so blessed to be able to get to be with You forever and ever ❤️
Thank you for sending Jesus to be our Shepherd who cares for me and will lead me every day all the days of my life!
God was saying to me You have a testimony just like Jacob and I want you to share with others how we have blessed you. You go out and be a blessing to others everywhere you go and remember I am with you always we do it together. Keep your spiritual ears open to hear me, and I will help you through whatever you go through to. I love you, my daughter.
Father God ❤️✝️
When you have projects, jobs, or tasks to complete, do you sometimes fret about getting them done? How are you going to do it? How is it going to work out?
At times, I’m sure we all have felt this way, only to find out in the end that it all came together just fine. In the end, it worked out. God helped you to get it done.
For me, I’ve found that the key is not to worry or stress. Go to God and listen to Him for instructions. Do it with God and get His help. Lean on the Lord and know that in the end, He will work everything out, and it will be good.
1. God’s plans and promises always come to fruition, and they are good.
2. God’s plans are not based on people’s traditions and customs. They are much greater. God knows what is best.
3. In the end, God works everything out, and it is good.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Genesis 48
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240609-Worship2.wav
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This week in chapter 48 I got a song
Believe
Let’s come together to worship our Lord let’s come together to worship our Lord. We are blessed blessed because we believe we believe in our Lord he never forsakes us. His promises are real, so let’s follow our Lord let’s follow our Lord walking hand and hand his love is everlasting, helping guiding us showing us the way we believe yes we believe in our Lord every day let’s come together praising our Lord praising our Lord, we believe we believe in our Lord amen.
Every day is a blessing walking with her Lord, Life is so much easier when we do it with him. It’s a beautiful journey with our Lord in the middle of everything. Thank you, Jesus