Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on Genesis 48.
“And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold I die: but God shall be
with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers” (Genesis 48:21).
Genesis 48 describes how Jacob (Israel) on his sick bed blessed
Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. Paul said in Romans 15:4 that all the
Scriptures were given for our learning that we through the patience and comfort
of them might have hope. Here are three lessons from Genesis 48:
First, we learn from the model faith and piety of Jacob.
Though in the land of Egypt, he still trusted in the promises
the LORD had made to him (48:4).
He acknowledged God had done more for him than he ever could
have asked or imagined, He had not only seen Joseph again but also Joseph’s
sons (v. 11).
He acknowledged that God had fed him “all my life long unto
this day” (v. 15).
He desired to direct his son and even his grandsons to share
in the covenant blessing which he and his fathers had known.
Second, we learn about the sovereign election of God.
Through Jacob, the Lord chose to bless Ephraim above Manasseh,
even though Ephraim was the second born (vv. 14-20).
This recalls the teaching about election in Romans. In Romans
9:13, Paul writes, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I
hated.” Likewise, in Romans 9:18 Paul said the Lord has mercy upon whom he wills,
and whom he wills he hardens.
Those are examples of Biblical teaching on election to
salvation, but there is also election to service, which may be more appropriate
to Ephraim and Manasseh. God chooses whom he will among his saints to serve in
various ways and to bless as he sees fit. Ours is not to wonder why, but to
serve gladly wherever he places us with contentedness.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul noted that God chose him to plant
churches and Apollos to water or nurture them, but it was God alone who gave
the increase.
Ephraim had one role
and Manasseh another, just as Paul had one role and Apollos another, just as
each of us have our own roles of service as sovereignly chosen by God.
So let us rest in his wisdom and do our duty.
Finally, we learn about the Immanuel promise of God to his people,
that He will be with us and with those who come behind us.
Jacob knew that he would soon die, but God would continue to be
with his children (v. 21). As the prophet Isaiah puts it, “The grass withereth,
the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isa 40:8).
One generation passes away and another arises (Ecc 1:4). But Jesus
Christ is the same yesterday, today, and for ever (Heb 13:8). The one who lived
a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day
told his disciples before he ascended, “and lo, I am with you alway, even unto
the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:20).
Christ is always with us!
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
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