Genesis 48:12-22

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jacob Blesses Joseph’s Sons, Manasseh and Ephraim

Printed Version

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

God progressively reveals His character to growing Christians.

God progressively reveals His program to growing Christians.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Have you experienced God’s crossed hands of blessing?

Let’s be like Joseph in reference to our children.

QUESTIONS

How did the official transaction of adoption take place in Joseph’s day?

How did God progressively reveal His character to Jacob?

On what is biblical faith based?

Many Christians are not aware of God’s program. Why?

How did Ephraim receive a greater blessing than Manasseh, the firstborn?

ANSWERS

In that culture, the position beside the knee was the place of official transaction of the adoption. Also, Joseph bowed with his face to the earth, showing the solemnity of the occasion.

Note the way in which Jacob refers to God in Genesis 48:15-16. He recognized God as provider and protector. This differs from his lack of recognition of God after his dream at Bethel - “The Lord was in this place, but I did not know it.”

Biblical faith is based on what God has revealed. See Hebrews 11:21.

Because they are not growing Christians.

The right hand of blessing gives the greater blessing, and Joseph positioned his sons as he saw it But this was not God’s way. Jacob crossed his arms, in line with God’s will, to give the greater blessing to Ephraim.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

As Jacob came to a greater intimacy with God, he grew in faith. As Jacob grew in faith, God revealed more of His character to Jacob. Are you growing in faith and learning to know God better? Are you experiencing this progressive in your life?

One of our spiritual blessings is the knowledge of God’s program for the world. See Ephesians 1:9-10. Are you aware of God’s program? Do you know the mystery of His will?

CHALLENGE

When Joseph realized what God’s will was for his boys, he submitted to it. He looked beyond the potential material success, desiring God’s best for them. When you become aware of God’s will do you embrace it? Which is first in your life for your children - their status in the world or God’s will?

KEY VERSES

“Jacob guided his hands knowingly....” Genesis 48:14

“Jacob said, ‘God has fed me all my life long to this day, and has redeemed me from all evil.” Genesis 48:15-16