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Genesis 49 - Day 49 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Genesis 49:8-12 Observation: Jacob is about to die so he gathers his family around him and pronounces his blessings and curses. Application: Judah was the fourth son of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife. In any other situation, he would probably have been forgotten like Issachar or Zebulun (sons #9 & #10). However, in this set of circumstances, because his 3 older siblings disqualified themselves, Judah receives Jacob's blessing of ascendency while Joseph received the blessing of a double portion - split among his two sons. That's the importance of why Jesus is a descendant of King David, who is a descendant from the line of Judah. Regardless of where we've come from, we are now adopted sons and daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Prayer: Lord, thank You for choosing me... Genesis 48 - Day 48 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Genesis 48:17-20 Observation: Jacob blesses grandsons, but chooses to put the younger ahead of the older as Joseph objects. Application: Isacc was the second born, so was Jacob and Joseph was the favored child even though he was the youngest of his siblings (before Benjamin was born). Here Ephraim is raised above Manasseh and it just didn't sit right with Joseph because that's not the way it's supposed to be. It's almost as if God favors those who are overlooked by society. Take heart and be glad for the Lord God notices you. Prayer: Thank You Lord for noticing me and choosing me despite my insignificance. Genesis 47 - Day 47 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Genesis 47:7 Commentary: After the brothers’ audience, Jacob is introduced to the Pharaoh. Whereas the previous scene was stiff and formal, the atmosphere here is more intimate and relaxed. Jacob does not call himself “your servant,” as the brothers did (v 3); instead he talks about himself naturally in the first person “my” (v 9). Whereas Jacob’s sons had come to Pharaoh requesting favors, here Pharaoh is being done a favor by the old man visiting him. It is Jacob who blesses Pharaoh, i.e., prays for Pharaoh’s welfare (on this key term in Genesis, cf. Comment on 1:22; 12:2–3), both on his arrival and on his departure. Pharaoh simply asks respectfully, “How many years have you lived?” Jacob’s great age demands respect from the all-powerful ruler of Egypt. Jacob’s reply, “Few and bad,” are hardly expected from a man aged one hundred and thirty whose son has risen to be vizier of Egypt, but they are a poignant comment on Jacob’s life, his flight to Mesopotamia, the rape of his daughter, his favorite wife’s death, and his favorite son’s apparent death. He is now so infirm that he must be carried to court and “stood before Pharaoh.” Yet tragic though his earthly life seems to have been, he is deferred to by the Pharaoh, who is twice blessed by Jacob. Jacob, who in his youth cheated to obtain blessing, is now the source of blessing, not just to his family but, as Westermann observes (3:171), to all the families of the earth. And because the Pharaoh has acknowledged Jacob’s special status by receiving him graciously and honoring his sons, he and his countrymen may expect to find blessing through Jacob and his descendants (28:14). The most immediate fulfillment of this blessing is Joseph’s rescue of Egypt from the effects of famine (47:11–27). Wenham, G. J. (1994). Genesis 16–50 (Vol. 2, pp. 446–447). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Application: He, who is greater, blesses the lessor. Yet God instructs us to bless Him for God has blessed us to be a blessing to others. Prayer: Bless the Lord, oh my soul, all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Genesis 46 - Day 46 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Genesis 46:1-5 Observation: Jacob sets out for Egypt and has another Theophany. Application: God reveals himself to Jacob in another vision to reconfirm their covenant. God promised that Abraham would be a father of many nations and that he would receive the land of Canaan. Here Jacob is leaving the land that his descendant are supposed to occupy so God affirms his actions. God speaks to us along our journey. Thankful we don't have to wait years upon years for Him to speak to us. Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your grace, which is sufficient; Your mercies that are new every morning; and Your everlasting love. Genesis 45 - Day 45 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Genesis 45:3-8 Observation: Joseph finally reveals his identity to his brothers and they are shocked. Application: It was only after all the drama that Joseph could appreciate God's plan to save him and his family from the devastating famine that was decimating the region. Notice that God didn't prevent the famine, but instead prepared a leader to save the world. Sound familiar? God is preparing you to represent him in the world. Prayer: Lord, have Your way in me. |
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