JOSEPH #30 | JOSEPH IN EGYPT #12
Lesson 3626
JOSEPH #30
JOSEPH IN EGYPT #12
LAST WORDS OF JACOB #1
From his deathbed, Jacob beckons for his grandchildren, Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph.
He wants to bless the sons of his beloved Joseph even before his own children, affirming the covenant of Abraham with the next generation.
Joseph brings in his sons and places them in their birth order to receive their blessings.
The Bible reads: “But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head—thus crossing his hands—although Manasseh was the firstborn” ( Gen. 48:14).
One might speculate that Jacob’s actions are related to his failing eyesight just as in his father Isaac's case.
But Jacob says: “I know, my son, I know. He [Manasseh] too shall become a people, and he too shall be great. Yet his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall be plentiful enough for nations” ( Gen. 48:19).
Jacob’s actions are connected to a sudden prophetic insight foreseeing the greater actions of Ephraim’s descendants than Manasseh’s.
In Judaism, the "bachor" (the firstborn) occupies an esteemed position. When the Temple stood, first-born fruits and animals were considered the best sacrifices. Moreover, before the installation of the tribe of Levi as the caretakers of the Tabernacle, the firstborns of all 12 tribes had been originally intended to serve in this priestly role.
But God is sovereign in his dealings with His chosen people.
1. Abraham, the youngest of three, receives the call from God.
2. Isaac inherits the birthright over his older half brother, Ishmael.
3. Jacob himself receives the birthright over his older twin brother, Esau.
4. And Joseph, the son of the second wife, Rachel, is at the helm of the family, literally lording over his brothers, including Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son.
What is our takeaway lesson today?
When dealing with faith and the covenant with the children of Abraham, human birth order and the normal rules of nature are not applicable.
In other words, one’s birthright is not determined by one’s birth order.
Likewise, for us, the lesson is that our actions and character matter more than our birth order in achieving success and determining our blessings in life.
This singular lesson is perhaps one of the best revelations Jacob gave to Joseph and his sons as well as to Jacob's remaining sons ... and us.
Understand that in His dealings with His people the "normal norms" do not necessarily apply. In short, prepare for the unexpected in His sovereign moves - prepare for His miracles on our behalf!
