Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Tues's Devo - Zebulun, Ephraim, and 1/2 Manasseh

Read 1 Chron 27:19-21
Zebulun - The people of the tribe of Zebulun could hear God's voice. They were servants and also intercessors who wrestled with God. They went into the high places with God. He was Leah's 6th son. Their faith was strong and they expected God to move. They are soul winners. Their blessing in Gen. 49:13 was that they would dwell at the haven of the sea and be a haven for ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. The sea is lost humanity. Fish are individual souls. Zidon means "catching fish" which is a picture of winning souls. These members are a special treasure to God. These are people lovers who move with compassion. They bring refreshing to the body of Christ.
Ephraim - Ephraim and Manasseh were both Joseph's sons who Jacob spiritually adopted. So instead of there being a tribe of Joseph there were the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. When Jacob came to bless Joseph's sons, Joseph had stratgically placed Manasseh in front of Jacob's right hand and Epraim in front of his left. Jacob prophetically crossed his arms (making the symbol of the cross) and blessed Ephraim as the first born.
Both these sons were born in Egypt (bondage). Before Joseph died he made his sons promise that they would take his bones into the promise land. They did. When they got to the Promise Land 2 1/2 of the tribes decided to stay on this side of the Jordan River : Gad, Rueben and 1/2 of Manasseh.. The Jordan stands for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and those who cross that river will enter into the promises of God. There are enemies defending their land but they can have whatever they ask if they contend for it. (When they crossed over the Red Sea it was a picture of Salvation.)
I think that many of the body of Christ are Manasseh now but will move to Ephraim. I just happened to be listening to a tape yesterday and the guy said that this is a type of the church. We are going from the point where God is causing us to forget the pain of our past (Manasseh) and moving to double fruitfulness (Ephraim) In Rev. 7:8 when it mentions the sealed tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim are sealed under one name: Joseph (which is another name for Jesus)
Their father, Joseph, was one of the best types of Jesus in the Bible. Both his sons speak of the new life we have in Christ. Both of these sons came from Racheal - Joseph's favorite wife. They walk in favor.
Lord, thank you that we are all so unique yet so loved by you. May we feel your tangible presence and love all around us today.

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