Genesis 48 - 50 (29th Jan) - Karen

Summary of events (Gen 48-50)

The book of Genesis closes with the following events:

- Jacob blesses the sons of Joseph at his deathbed
- Jacob’s prophecy concerning his sons
- Death of Jacob and burial of Jacob
- Joseph reassures his brothers
- The death of Joseph

Here are a few learnings that strike me from reading the biographies of Jacob and Joseph in Gen 48-50.

1. God works in unexpected ways. (Gen 48: 8-20)

Jacob gave the younger son of Joseph, Ephraim, the greater blessing instead of Manasseh. Despite Joseph’s objections, Jacob was led by God to bestow the greater blessing to Ephraim.

From this we can see that God, in His blessings upon His people, gives more to some than to others, more gifts, more of the good things in life.

Also, we see that He often gives most to those who are least likely. He chooses the weak things of the world instead. When God chooses people to fill his plans, he goes deeper than position or tradition.

**God can use you to carry out His plans, even if you don’t think you have all it takes!**

2. Our past affects our present and future (Gen 49)

From Jacob’s prophecy over his sons, we can learn that the way the 12 men lived played an important part in their blessing and prophecy Jacob released over each on of them.

For example, the oldest son, Reuben, was supposed to receive a double inheritance, as it was his birthright blessing. However, he was unstable in his youth and committed the sin of sleeping with one of his father’s concubines. Hence Jacob withheld the birthright blessing to him.

For every action, there is a consequence. Our actions today will be part of our past. Yet this will already have a part to play in shaping our future.

**What action(s) can we choose or avoid so that our future can be shaped positively?**

3. Be patient, and trust in God. (Gen 50: 15-21)

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph might take revenge on them for selling him into slavery. But Joseph surprised them by not only forgiving them but reassured them and offered to care for them. Joseph’s forgiveness was complete.

Joseph learnt from the experiences that God brings from evil for those who trust Him. Even by the sins of men God’s infinite wisdom is able to overrule events.

**Do we trust God enough to wait patiently for Him to bring good out of bad situations?**