The remaining chapters of Genesis are deathbed pronouncements of Jacob/Israel. Gen 48 refers to the adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph's sons in Egypt) by Israel. This is significant for several reasons (not the least of which relates to their status as part of the 12 tribes). This blessing and adoption is set in context after Joseph goes to Jacob (Gen 48:1-2).
Jacob recounts his vision/encounter with God at Bethel (Luz) and the promise that God made to him of land and descendants (Gen 48:3). This blessing (as you will recall) shows the unbroken line of blessing given to Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob, and to Jacob's descendants. The blessing is that of the Lord...not the choosing of Jacob (or any of the Patriarchs...which is the point).
In Gen 48:5, the first announcement of adoption. This is not to eliminate Joseph from the line; rather, it was to bestow the share of inheritance which belong to Jacob's sons...in full portion to these two grandsons. Joseph prepares the boys (to bring them close) so that his firstborn (Manasseh) would receive the right hand blessing (Gen 48:11-14). Jacob crosses his hands so that the right hand blessing was bestowed on the younger. Joseph protests the special blessing being given to the younger of the two (should remind of a picture of Ishmael/Isaac, and Esau/Jacob encounter), but Jacob is resolute (Gen 49:17-20).
Jacob then blesses Joseph and prophesies that Joseph will return to the land of his fathers (Gen 48:21-22). While Joseph would not go back to take possession, this statement becomes the basis for Joseph's admonition to his people to take his bones with them when they leave Egypt and bury him in Canaan (Josh 24:32).
The last two verses struck me unusually. I imagine for Joseph, it would be easy to become comfortable in Pharoah's land. It was the only home he ever felt accepted and discovered purpose (since childhood). He had a wife, family, good job, and prestige there. Yet, Israel reminds him that the land where he dwells is not his home. As it is applied, I see a picture of heaven and how we are not to become too comfortable in this world. I also see an application pertaining to our living places on earth. Yes we may have family and roots here...but God has given a place for us too. It may be here...but it may be Africa, New York, Alaska, or Indonesia. The key is not our comfort, or our reasoning, but God divine blessing and assignment for us. I can also see this "place" as a mindset rather than a geographical location. We may find ourselves (intellectually/practically/emotionally) in a particular place...but God has a destination for us that may be different than where we are. WILL WE SEIZE IT?
Proverbs 8:13 is the takeaway today. To say that we fear/reverence/respect/love God is to also say that we HATE everything that is in opposition to God. We cannot love/embrace/desire the things that are opposed to God and still FEAR Him. To fear God is to love what He loves, do what He does, avoid that which is opposed to Him...and thus glorify God in the process! May God raise up in me a righteous indignation against the evil in the world...and ESPECIALLY against the evil in my own heart (whether pride, insolence, arrogance, or otherwise)...that I might forsake it and demonstrate that I FEAR GOD.
Grace,
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Okay so I had to read this one this morning... Boy this is good. I don't think I would have had that same thinking, but I like it. I'm gonna claim that one (if that is okay with you) God amazing me how He puts different thoughts and ideas in people and then He uses it to touch others... He Wows me!! Good word, I am encouraged and praying for God's incredible presence this morning at our house of worship!
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