Read Genesis 48
Key Verse: 21 “Then Israel said to Joseph, ‘I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers.’”
Observation: Jacob is about to die and so he has Joseph bring Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph’s sons) into him so that he can bless them. Just like what took place at Jacob’s birth in that he was placed ahead of his older brother, he passed the greater blessing on to Joseph’s younger son even at Joseph’s objection. He then states that Joseph will return to the land of Israel and as he returns God will be with Him.
Application: This is a cool blessing to pass on to the next generation. Just as God has been with Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob, he is passing that on to Joseph. God was with Jacob in powerful ways from meeting him along the road in a wrestling match to showing him a glimpse of heaven. Now Jacob is passing that on to his son Joseph. This is the heart of discipleship, passing on what I have known and experienced of God to the next generation or someone just behind me spiritually. As I ponder that, it is not just a cool idea or blessing but it is also a responsibility that we have. If God has invested in our lives, we should be about the work of passing that blessing on to others.
Prayer: God, help me to create a discipleship movement within our church. Not just me disciplining others but raising up disciples who are investing in others. Father, build this movement across your church and across denominational lines. Help us to get back to the calling that you, Jesus, gave to the church: “go and make disciples.”