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Genesis 48

Good Morning “Submitting to The Word of The Lord.”  Today we are in Genesis Chapter 48.  

At first glance this chapter can be confusing.  It’s confusing because we’ve already become accustomed to the way things are done as it relates to their culture and the time.  We do the same thing with our culture dont we?  When God moves in a way that contradicts cultural acceptance we’re often frozen in our tracks.  Where do we stand?  Answer… ALWAYS with The Word of The Lord!  He, It is our STANDARD!  Never culture.

Through Abraham, Issac, and Jacob the “Birthright” and the “Seed Blessing” stayed together and were passed through one man.  Now with Jacob’s sons, God moves differently.   Joseph would inherit the “Birthright”, and we’ll see the “Seed Blessing” come through Judah.  It’s interesting though, although Joseph would inherit a double portion of Jacob’s estate, Israel (Jacob’s name when led of God), would do it in such a way that a single man would never again get a double inheritance in the nation of Israel.  Jacob’s actions are such that all the tribes receive an equal blessing.  Furthermore, from this point forward all of the Nation of Israel would receive the blessing - equally.  Gods ways are not man’s ways.

How does Jacob give Joseph a double portion and yet all 12 sons of Jacob get an equal portion?  Check it out… He adopts Joseph’s two sons as his own and bestows the inheritance through them.  Thus through his sons Joseph receives a double portion while at the same time keeping it equal man to man.  Joseph’s 2 sons now become the 12th and 13th tribes of Israel.  Side note - this whole process is a picture of our adoption into the family of God.  Check out Ephesians 1:5-11

We see Joseph’s confusion.  As he witnesses Israel (Jacob) obediently following the Lord, he try’s to stop him. He knew the custom was a double portion to the oldest.  Even in the midst of Jacob totally deviating from the cultural norm (Joseph was not the oldest but the 11th oldest), Joseph try’s to keep Israel on track with his own sons.  “Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭48‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God had / has a plan.  It was / is nowhere near the cultural norm!

Here’s a simple rule of thumb.  If you ever find yourself defending the world’s point of view over Gods, revealed through The Bible - you’re off track.  His Word settles it!  That’s where we must stand!

Love you all!  Dig in!