Genesis 48:8-11–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

Posted by Seth on Mar 12, 2010 in Bible Study, Daily Devotions |

Genesis 48:8-11–Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation

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GENESIS 48:8-11 PODCAST (rt. click/cmd. click to open separate tab)

Welcome to today’s Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation covering Genesis 48:8-11 wherein we see three generations enjoying some final, glorious moments together.

When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?” Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.” Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.”

Israel (or Jacob) no longer needed his eyes to see all the blessings that God had brought his way. We observe here three generations that, according to human reasoning, should have never made it to this point of enjoying the company of one another. Years ago, when Jacob’s father Isaac was in his place of old age and failed vision, Jacob came before him for the blessing that Isaac thought he was giving to Esau. Notice Israel’s question for Joseph here: “Who are these?” It seems doubtful that he didn’t already pretty well know who was before him, but he had learned over the years the great importance of certainty. Joseph’s boys were to stand alongside the other sons of Jacob which is why we hear many times later in the Scriptures references to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh instead of Joseph. They were recognized as gifts from God and would become gifts to the world according to the prophetic words soon to be delivered.

And then what is the dying Jacob’s desire at the end of his life? He doesn’t ask for more physical comfort or complain about the inconveniences of a failing body. His aim is to bless, to pray good things into the lives of his son and grandchildren. We often hear of the great importance of finishing well and the fact that so few seem to actually do such. Though Jacob had practiced much foolishness in his early years and was known as the great trickster that always seemed to come out ahead in the end, his final days overshadow those long past events. Notice his joyful affection for Ephraim and Manasseh as he does his grandpa thing, embracing and kissing on them before delivering the blessing. And consider his words to Joseph, likely through many tears: I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also. God had brought to Jacob a kindness far beyond what anyone in his family could have anticipated. All of this makes for the kind of “happily ever after” conclusion to the life of the father of the great tribes that we would expect in a fairy tale.

It is good to be reminded here both of the beauty of a life finished well and the wondrous orchestration of God in bringing things together through unlikely means. Have you thought about what kind of a trajectory you’re currently setting for the conclusion of your life, whenever that might come? It may be that past mistakes threaten to cripple your steps ahead, but be encouraged by the life of Jacob, recognizing that growth and a change of course is possible. And as you plan, are you trusting God for the future approaching? The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9). In great faith, set a good course today.

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