The Father's Blessing - Genesis 48-49

2024.12.08.Sermon Notes. Genesis 48-49 THE FATHER’S BLESSING

William Akehurst, HSWC

ADVENT: PEACE. Pray for Peace in the world

Scriptures: Psalms 71:18, Genesis 48:1-22, Ephesians 4:26-27, Ephesians 4:31-32, Genesis 49:1-33, Genesis 26:24, Ephesians 1:3, Matthew 5:3-12, 1 Chronicles 4:10, Psalms 103:1-5, Matthew 25:34, Psalms 112:1-2, Matthew 7:11, James 1:17

BIG IDEA:

In the story of Jacob, the father’s blessing spoken over his children greatly impacted their lives and the generations to come. The point is...A Father’s blessing spoken over his children impacts their lives.

As believers in JESUS, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER has spoken blessing in HIS WORD that can change our lives too.

GENESIS 48:1-22

Jacob calls for his sons. Jacob is 147 years old

Vs 1-4 Jacob remembers God’s promise.

1 Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

2 And Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. 3 Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’

Names Jacob and Israel used together throughout Scripture. Referring to the person.

At the coming of Joseph, Israel who was weak, and used support to sit up in bed.

God Almighty appeared to me at Luz and blessed me.

Luz was named Bethel, where Jacob first met GOD and had the vision of the Ladder

GOD spoke the blessing over Jacob at Luz/Bethel where Jacob had the vision of the Ladder.

The blessing…I will make you fruitful and multiply you

Jacob is declaring GOD and HIS PROMISES to his sons.

We too should place a priority on teaching our children and grandchildren and others around you, about GOD’s Mercy and Grace, and HIS Promises to those who seek HIM.

Just as Jacob blesses Joseph, he reminds him of GOD’s promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that will continue into the future generations, and it is Jacob’s dying words to make sure that the testimony of GOD’s Promises are made known.

Psalms 71:18 (NKJV)

18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.

(NLT) 18 Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

We too have an obligation to pass on to the next generation, the testimonies of GOD and Salvation through JESUS CHRIST, and the dwelling of HOLY SPIRIT, our sealed promise of redemption and everlasting life.

Vs 5-6 Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons as his own.

5 And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6 Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance.

Reuben and Simeon were the first and second born of Israel.

Jacob received Jospeh’s 2 sons as his own, adopted into the family at the highest level as if they were his own 1st and 2nd born.

Due to their sin, we will see that Reuben and Simeon, the rightful 1st and 2nd born, were disqualified from leadership statue among the family.

They shall be mine

Jacob’s is stating his adoption of Manasseh and Ephraim as his own.

Vs 7 Jacob concludes his testimony with consideration of his soon death.

7 But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan

Rachel died at the birth of Benjamin.

I buried her there in Bethlehem.

Jacob blesses Manasseh and Ephraim.

Vs 8-12 Jacob calls for Joseph’s sons, to bless them.

8 Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.” And he said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”

10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!”