Written by Megan Meier
The Word
“8 When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, ‘Who are these?’ 9 Joseph said to his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me here.’ And he said, ‘Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.’ 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 And Israel said to Joseph, ‘I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.’ 12 Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. 14 And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn). 15 And he blessed Joseph and said, ‘The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.’”
Genesis 48:8-16 (ESV)
“‘This is my [Jesus’] commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’’
John 15:12 (ESV)
‘“I [Jesus] have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’”
John 16:33 (ESV)
Megan’s Musings
Israel(Jacob) had lived in Egypt for seventeen years, he would have known his grandsons Manasseh and Ephraim, their personality traits and even voices because they were his favorite son’s children. Just like his own father, his sight was truly compromised to the point of not recognizing his loved ones, and he hadn’t forgotten what he did to his own father, taking advantage of his poor eyesight to get his older brother’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-29). He wanted to be sure it was his grandsons, holding them closely not only because he knew his time was coming, but to see if they were actually Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph’s sons were at Israel’s knees, implying he was sitting up. Joseph showed deep respect by prostrating himself. Then he put Manasseh on Israel’s right and Ephraim on his left, expecting the firstborn to receive the best blessing.
In ancient Jewish culture, the right hand signified power and preference. But Israel crossed his arms and used his right hand to bless Ephraim and his left hand to bless Manasseh. At first glance, it looks like he just couldn’t see who the firstborn was, but actually, Israel’s blessing is intentional. He blessed Joseph through his sons. First he recognizes God’s hand throughout his journey on this earth. He says God has guided both him and his forefathers( verse 15 is the first instance in which God is referred to as a Shepherd); he remembers the angels who guided him (Genesis 28:10-17, 31:11-13); he asks for God’s blessing upon his grandsons, whom he has adopted as his own sons (there was no tribe of Joseph, but of his sons Manasseh and Ephraim (Numbers 1:32-35, Joshua 14:4)); for the legacy of his forefathers to be carried on through them; and that they grow into a multitude. It was not only his blessing to Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim, but also one of his dying wishes.
On Jesus’ last night, He gave His disciples comfort and courage, instructing them to love each other as He has loved them (John 15:12) and in Him they will have peace in a troubled world (John 16:33). Jesus’ last prayers before going to the Garden of Gethsemane were of glorification of what He was about to do, for protection of his disciples from the evil one, and for the unification of all believers and that they would see His Glory (John 17).
Application
At the end of your life, what would your final words be to your loved ones? What would be your dying wish or greatest prayer? It’s an indication of what is most important to you right now.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I know my life on earth will end, but life with You is eternal. Help me to spend this side of eternity wisely and for Your Glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
City Life Starter 
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