Joseph: Genesis 48:1-50:14 "Jacob's Blessing"

Read Genesis 48:1-50:14.

"All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him." NIV

I can't read this passage without thinking about the legacy left to our children. Jacob looked at each of his sons, and what they had done and what they could do showed him what ways he could bless their future. Jacob blessed them with really a continuation of the life they had already built. They had made choices, and Jacob noted those choices as the destiny of their life. He also established the location of their tribe and provided a glimpse into their future.

As parents, we must know our children. Their individual personalities will take them on very different paths. It's our job to bless the talents and gifts that God has given to each of our children and encourage them to use those gifts to God's honor and glory. I doubt my children will be leaders of nations life Jacob's sons. That was a blessing that had been passed down from Abraham. But each of our children can have a great impact on the world for the glory of God. They can be leaders of the Christian nation if God so chooses to bless them in that way.

Our children need our blessing, encouragement, guidance, and love to follow the path the God has for them to live. That's my greatest job -- to be an example and guide to my children as the Lord would have me to be. I know God has a lot of other jobs of service He wants me to complete. But discipling those three children is my first job. And what a joy to bless my children with the love of our Father and the hope of a future with Him.

Further Thoughts:

1. What blessing are you passing on to your children? (You may have not come from a believing family, but the legacy can begin with you. You can be the Abraham your children need to follow.)
   
2. What parallel do we see elsewhere in the Old Testament with the blessing of Joseph's sons and the younger being blessed above the older? Also, how does that compare with Joseph's own life?
   
3. What role does being an example have in passing along a legacy to our children? What do you need to do better?