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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Sandra Wheatley and are based on Genesis 49
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Genesis 49 (in full) and Hebrews 11
1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather round so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. 2 Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel...
22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. 23 With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. 24 But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, 25 because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the
breast and womb. 26 Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers.”
29 Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah...” 33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Sunday October 26 - Influential lives
Then Jacob called for his sons... “Gather round...” Genesis 49:1
Genesis 49 has been spoken of as ‘a tapestry of prophecy, poetry, and promise’ that underscores how God’s purpose works through human choices and actions, even if they are imperfect. Jacob is about to die. He gathers his twelve sons to bless them, to rebuke and to speak of ‘the days to come’ beyond even their lifetimes. The lives of each of Jacob’s sons had good and not so good episodes. Their actions had consequences that would ripple through generations to come. In reading the ‘blessings’ Jacob had for each of them, I hope we will see the comparison and the contrast in Joseph’s life. He had been away from Jacob for 22 years. Jacob had mourned his absence, believing that his favoured son was dead (Genesis 37:31-35). Now, reunited at last, the promise Jacob received in Genesis 46:4 will soon come to pass: “And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”
This chapter challenges me as Jacob reveals what he has seen (and foreseen) in his sons’ lives. What is it that others see in my life? What is said about me? What will be remembered of me when I am no longer here? The Bible is like a mirror, reflecting back on our lives, reminding us of the stories and life’s lessons with which people in Scripture instruct and encourage us as we live... and learn.
Father God, help me to continue to live and learn as I read your Word. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY