Daily Devotions
My Song In The Night (Genesis)
我夜间的歌曲《创世记》
Text: Genesis 48: 20-22
MEDITATION
Genesis 48:20-22
20 So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’” And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.
22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.”
MEANINGFUL APPLICATION TO LIFE
1. The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh
a. This special blessing will become an idiom in the future.
b. When people wish to pronounce a blessing:
i. They will remember Joseph and his special role.
ii. They will say this as the hoped-for blessing.
“May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!”
c. Thus, Jacob confirmed that Ephraim would be superior to Manasseh.
d. His name would appear first and then Manasseh, though the latter was firstborn.
2. Facing imminent death
a. Jacob knew that the end of his life had come.
b. But he found assurance in his faith in God.
c. There was hope concerning the future.
3. God’s role
a. God would be with Joseph.
b. He will one day lead everyone back to the land of Canaan.
c. They will return to the land of their forefathers.
4. Inheritance for Joseph
a. His two sons were promoted to the ranks of the sons of Jacob.
i. Manasseh would receive a portion of the land.
ii. Ephraim would also inherit in similar fashion.
b. There was a special piece of land that Jacob fought for
i. This was not recorded in the Book of Genesis.
ii. This was a piece of land that Jacob had to use his bow and arrow to obtain.
iii. This piece of land would be given to Joseph specifically.
c. This was the “double portion” above all his other brothers.
d. This was Jacob’s prerogative to divide what he had among his children.
e. The favour that Joseph had from his father was no longer questioned or envied.
经文:创世记 48:20-22
沉思
《创世记 48:20-22》
20当日就给他们祝福说:“以色列人要指着你们祝福说:‘愿神使你如以法莲、玛拿西一样。’”于是,立以法莲在玛拿西以上。
21以色列又对约瑟说:“我要死了,但神必与你们同在,领你们回到你们列祖之地。22并且我从前用弓用刀从亚摩利人手下夺的那块地,我都赐给你,使你比众弟兄多得一份。”