Sun.’s Devo - Jacob’s Blessings

Read: Genesis 48:1-49:33; Matthew 15:29-16:12; Psalm 20:1-9; Proverbs 4:20:27 Joseph got news that his father, Jacob would soon pass into death so he took his two sons so Jacob could bless them. Jacob adopted the two boys as his own inheritance and went to bless them. Joseph had strategically placed them where Jacob would put his right hand on the first born and left hand on Ephraim. But, almost-blind Jacob was moved by God’s spirit to cross his arms and place his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left hand on Manasseh’s making the sign of the cross. When Joseph went to change it, Jacob explained that even though Manasseh was the oldest, it would be Ephraim who would become greater and become a multitude of nations. Ephraim means “double fruitful.” Manasseh means “causing to forget.” God will cause us to forget the pain and shame of our sin and make us doubly fruitful in his kingdom. Jacob called all his children in and gave them prophecies according to their character and name. Some of these blessings don’t sound much like blessings but they all described the destiny of their descendants. Jacob then instructed them to bury his bones in the field that Abraham, Sarah, Rebekah and Leah were buried because he wanted to spend his time in Sheol in their company. In Matthew, Jesus was teaching the Gentiles and healing them of all their diseases. When they got hungry he also fed them with the miraculous multiplication of fish and bread. Seven baskets were taken up of left overs as opposed to the 12 that were taken up with the Jewish crowd. Twelve means government and the Jews were all about the law and God’s government here on earth. Seven is the number of completeness and the Gentiles would bring in the fulfillment of the law. The Pharisees came to Jesus asking for a sign to prove he was from God. Jesus did signs to prove he was from God every day! Jesus had to be frustrated with that question. He told them that they could discern the weather by looking at the sky but could not discern what God brought from the skies. He told them their sign would be the sign of the prophet Jonah. They went away pondering this, I’m sure. Jesus turned to his disciples and warned them of the yeast - the false teachings of the Pharisees. Our Psalm is perfect for the times we are living in. Lord, thank you that you give us our hearts desires and your plans succeed. We are shouting for joy at your victory!