Scripture to Read: Genesis 49:22-26
Today, we examine the blessing that God led Jacob to give to Joseph. Though Jacob (Israel) once thought Joseph was dead, it is now Jacob facing death, and he is blessed with being able to share parting words with his son, Joseph. In Genesis 49:23-24, Jacob recounts how God had preserved Joseph in the face of attacks and had provided for Joseph with His life-bearing fruit. It was God who gave Joseph stability and strength, as revealed in Genesis 49:24, so that "yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One." It was God who helped Joseph and who blessed him. As recorded in Genesis 49:25, God would continue to bless Joseph, "the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb." All that happened in and through Joseph's life was due to the plan and provision of God. In God's perfect plan, Joseph had faced near-death and much suffering, but it happened so God could fulfill His purposes in saving His family. God has always had His perfect plan to save His people for Himself. That is why God the Father sent His perfect Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to experience suffering and death so He could save us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us into His family. In Joseph's blessing, he was set apart from his brothers (Genesis 49:26), and Christ was set apart to bring salvation to everyone who surrenders to Him.
Challenge & Application
1. Why should it encourage and comfort us that in Joseph’s life of suffering and salvation that God planned it all?
2. Who can you encourage this week that God is at work in their lives and that His plan is for our good as we trust in Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!