February 10, 2022 - Genesis 48-50

We often are excited about the opportunities of life, yet we can be fearful and apprehensive about the end. Looking forward to heaven and the future is truly a blessing that God has given His people. We should anticipate the life to come and not allow difficulties to diminish the reality of eternity!

Jacob was approaching the end of his life while living in Egypt. As he did, he had an opportunity to leave a legacy and bestow a blessing upon several important individuals. Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were brought first by Joseph to his father's bedside. By Jacob consecrating his sons, Joseph was given an additional blessing above his brothers.

After the blessing of the sons of Joseph, Jacob called for his own sons to come and be blessed as well! Jacob prayed for each son and prophesied what God would do with their descendants. He then spoke and instructed his sons where and how to bury him. God gave Jacob the strength and clarity of mind necessary to accomplish these final words before his departure.

In all, there are two physical deaths and one emotional death in these chapters. Jacob and Joseph both die at the end of Genesis. This is perhaps fitting to symbolize Jacob's deep love for Joseph throughout his life. The emotional death is shown between Joseph and his brothers as they finally bury the uncertainty and guilt that had plagued their relationships throughout their adult lives.

As Joseph was able to remove the relational block between himself and his brothers before death, may we also strive to not have discord with family or friends. Paul stated, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:25-27). Keep short accounts of wrong done and long records of forgiveness.