God’s Strengthening Word: Mercy & Forgivenessਨਮੂਨਾ

Introduction

Genesis 48:1–22: In blessing Manasseh and Ephraim, Jacob bestows on his grandsons a status equal to his own sons and thus legitimizes their descendants to be numbered among the twelve tribes of Israel (see Numbers 26; Joshua 13—19). Jacob crosses his hands, placing his right hand on the head of Ephraim, Joseph’s younger son, and his left hand on Manasseh, the older son.

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 48:15 GNT

Then he blessed Joseph: “My God, whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac served, bless these boys! May God, who has led me to this very day, bless them!”

Reflect

The right side was the place of greater authority or power, so when Jacob crosses his hands and gives the blessing of the firstborn to Ephraim, Joseph becomes upset. The incident recalls the time when Jacob himself, instead of his older brother Esau, received the blessing of the firstborn from their father Isaac (see Genesis 27). How does Jacob respond when Joseph seeks to reverse what Jacob had done? In what unexpected ways do you experience God’s blessings?

Pray

Almighty God, I thank and praise you for your blessings and that your mercies are new every day. Open my heart and mind to an awareness of your daily presence and grace. May all I do and say this day be an act of worship to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Genesis 49:29—50:14: Jacob dies and Joseph arranges for Jacob’s burial in Canaan.