GENESIS 48 THE SUNSET COMES Some years had passed and Jacob was sick. He knew his life was soon going to end and he had some loose ends to tie up. When Joseph went to see his father, he took his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, with him. Jacob then gave Joseph the blessing of the firstborn. It had been the practice of most people to give the firstborn in a family, a double portion of the inheritance that was passed on to the family. In an unusual way Jacob did that by claiming Manasseh and Ephraim as his sons in the place of Joseph. Instead of the tribe being called the tribe of Joseph, his two sons each became equal in sonship with Joseph’s brothers. Joseph did receive the double portion.
As the book of Genesis draws to a close, the story of Joseph recedes. The historical narrative of God’s dealing with His chosen people with whom He made a covenant, with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is picked up again and focuses on Jacob. The family/tribe that would some-day become a nation, had survived the testing time. “The reward of the inheritance” had been passed on through the actions of divine grace.
The course of life is made up of routine daily living, interspersed with outstanding events that remain indelibly impressed on our minds. Believers in our Lord Jesus Christ remember with joy and thankfulness the time the Lord saved them. Often events around that time are easily recalled as well. We remember other special times like marriage, the birth of children, special holidays and special people who came into our lives and with whom we formed special bonds. As we draw nearer to death- day, we become conscious of things left undone that can be done to be a spiritual benefit to other people. When those things come to mind, make haste to do what we are led by God to do while we are still able.
“It is appointed unto man once to die,” and when that inevitable event comes to us, we need to be sure all is in order with our family. Don’t leave them with a lot of unfinished business and unanswered questions. God has been faithful to us. It is only right that we be faithful to those around us. Not everyone will have the time and strength to do what is needed at the very end of life, so it is important to do what we can well in advance of our death.
Jacob had made arrangements for his burial so there was no question as to where he would be buried and who would carry out his request. Joseph knew he was given that responsibility. When all the arrangements were made, then Israel worshipped. What a wonderful way to end one’s life – as a worshipper of God!
An Important Decision, v.1-7. When Joseph and his sons came to see Jacob in his sickness, he was able to rouse himself and sit up on the bed. He recalled the time he met God at Bethel and his life was changed because he was changed. He remembered the promises of God. Then he made the startling announcement of an important decision. Joseph’s two sons would become Israel’s sons and would share equally in the inheritance of the promised land. Any other children Joseph might have would be his own, but Manasseh and Ephraim would be sons included in the covenant promises of God.
What would these two young men raised in a place of power and plenty in Egypt have to say about becoming included as sons of an ancient shepherd who lived in Goshen separated from the rest of Egypt because they were shepherds? Joseph must have done a good job of instructing his sons as to who they were in the sight of God and in relation to their heritage. They would be the first ones who would leave the high hopes of a lifetime in Egypt and move out to Goshen. They would learn a whole new way of life, lived with new people, a new occupation and a new culture. Joseph would have made sure they knew that faith in God was a fundamental part of being alive with a purpose in living.
It is important for God’s people to make sure our children know what is important in their lives. They need to understand the things that are seen are only temporary. It is the things that are not seen that last because they are eternal. Young people need to hear from their parents the story of their forefathers and the heritage that has been passed on to them. They need to know how we have been saved by God’s grace and why we believe what we believe, and why we do what we do. Don’t leave children and grandchildren in the dark as to what is important. Then they are responsible to make the important decision themselves that will affect their lives, their destiny and their children.
In a touching comment, Israel told them about the passing away of his beloved wife, Rachel, their grandmother. That would have impacted Joseph who was only a young boy when she died. He would have had vague memories of his mother, but he knew his father honored her and his memories of life with her. Our children need to hear from our lips that we appreciate, love, cherish and revere the memories of our spouse. We don’t have to wait until after they die to tell our family this. The bonds of love we have with our spouse and with our parents before us, need to be told, so our children make the right choices themselves when the time comes to make important decisions.
A Special Blessing, v.8-16. Jacob was glad to see Joseph and his two sons although he couldn’t see well. God had given him a special blessing when after twenty years thinking Joseph was dead, he now saw him in the flesh. Seventeen years later he sees Joseph’s grown sons, and proceeded to bless them. Again, there is a special blessing. Ephraim received the special blessing of leadership that was commonly given to the oldest son. God was asked to bless them spiritually and temporally. By being brought into Jacob’s family, the future promised blessing on Israel as a people and ultimately as a nation, would be theirs. Spiritual blessing was on them and still is even though the children of Israel are temporarily dispersed throughout the world.
A Specific Choice, v.17-22. Through the whole book of Genesis, it is a feature that often the firstborn was passed over. Seth over Cain, Shem over Japheth, Abraham instead of Haran, Isaac instead of Ishmael, Jacob instead of Esau and Ephraim instead of Manasseh. God is sovereign and does not necessarily follow the pattern of privilege that is common to people. God chooses the weak things to confound the mighty. He chooses those who are despised to negate the authority of those who lead in the ways of the world.
After Joseph heard his father’s explanation for putting Ephraim before Manasseh, he accepted that without further comment. He would know that Reuben had been passed by. Joseph himself, the second youngest son, was the leader. Israel was about to die and he wanted Joseph in his role as the son with authority, to know that God was sovereign and would do as he promised. Also, he wanted Joseph to know that he had double portions in the land of promise: one through Ephraim and one through Manasseh.
The choices we make in life will often be fulfilled in those who come after us. Results of efforts put forth in the work of God may never be seen in our lifetime. Later, we may learn of blessings that came as a result of the labor years before by those who were here before us. That may be seen in families also. Therefore, we should not allow ourselves to be discouraged when we do not see in our children and grandchildren what we had hoped for. But the whole history is not yet complete and we take courage in the words, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”
A MODEL FOR OLD AGE Faith looks upward to God as the things of earth fade into insignificance and misty memories. One thing remains clear as we look ahead, and that is our faith in God remains unchanged. We remember what God has done and what He has promised. In God’s word we still find the spiritual food and encouragement we need. As we read the scriptures, we are inspired and empowered to trust God without question. God has been faithful to us all these years that we have lived by faith in Him. There has been, and still is, real joy when we rest on what God’s word says.
Gratitude looks backward to all the way by which he led me. Our life is a pilgrimage through the world on our way home. All that really matters is that God has been with us all the way and has been, and still is, everything to us. I can personally testify that the God of my fathers is my God. They walked before Him and our life has been a walk before Him. He has been a shepherd to me all the way, every day and He has guided and protected me. He has redeemed me and preserved me from evil. Reviewing the journey enables us to see with gratitude, the ways of the Lord when the days were dark and the nights were gloomy. There have been far more times when He has been with us, when the light of life shone brightly and glory was seen.
Love looks outward toward those around us who are starting their lives with God, and that moves us to pray for them, that God will bless them and use them in His service. Affection for those who are new in Christ prompts us to pray for them and do what we think is best for them. We pray God will be with them and guide them every step of the way through life. We are sure that God’s love is directed toward them, as well as our feeble human love.
Hope looks onward to the future with expectation and confidence in the fact that the promises of God are “Yea and Amen.” Such hope is a fundamental part of being a Christian. It motivates our faith and love, to rise to every challenge that might come. One wrote, “Faith looks upward. Hope looks onward. Faith accepts. Hope expects.” Faith is concerned with the present promises. Hope is concerned with the things promised. Faith appropriates, hope anticipates. Faith is occupied with the past and present. Hope lives in the future.
At the end of life, all of these characteristics blend into a peaceful life consciousness of the presence of God with us now, confidence of the promises of God ahead, and calm in the peace of God – and we are at rest!