SEPT 18| GENESIS 49:1-2, 22-26
DAILY READING
Genesis 49:1-2, 22-26
REFLECTION
Faith and Blessing
Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. (Genesis 49:1)
Jacob’s parting words to his sons were both a prophecy and a blessing. Jacob addressed each of his children by name, starting with Reuben his firstborn to Joseph his eleventh born. Joseph, the one who suffered separation from his family only to be used by God in a way only God could do.
“Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. (Genesis 49:22) Joseph’s story is exciting and filled with everything a good tale needs. Family drama, jealousy, and hateful actions. But as with many good stories in the Bible, God uses the bad to bring out the good.
This text is about a blessing, and the blessing from Jacob to Joseph. The other brothers and their future well-being is told to them, but the future well-being of Joseph is the blessing. And this blessing leads to the “promised blessing” and the lineage to our Savior.
Jacob’s words to and about Joseph result from Joseph’s faithfulness during the many trials and hardships he encountered. Were you or I faced with the troubles Jacob endured, we might not have fared as well. Unless our faith was like his. He remained in constant fellowship with God. His faith saved him and his people.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, give us the faith of Jacob. As life takes us down many paths, give us the strength to hold tight to our faith.
