God Speaks
Jacob Blesses Joseph’s and His Own Sons; First Jacob then Joseph Dies
Verse of the Day: [Joseph demonstrated his forgiveness of his brothers and his understanding of God by saying,] “‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19-21)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding Genesis 48-50
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Genesis 48
1. God blesses those He chooses to adopt as His own children and heirs of His kingdom.
2. People ought to thank God as Jacob did for being their Shepherd and delivering them from harm.
Genesis 49
1. God knows both the past and the future of people and blesses or curses them accordingly either in this life or in eternity..
2. People need to fight against and conquer both their inherited sinful human nature and their own personal nature.
Genesis 50
1. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His faithul servants.
2. All people will die; therefore, they should prepare in advance in order to ease the burden of those they leave behind.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding Genesis 48-50?
O Most Gracious Father God, You bless those You choose to adopt as You own children and heirs of the Kingdom of God. That is everyone who will put their trust in You and Your Son Jesus and seek to obey You in the power of Your Spirit. Every one of us ought to thank You as Jacob did for being our Shepherd and delivering us from harm both in this life and in eternity. No one needs to go to hell. Even the worst sinner can be saved, if they will repent and receive the salvation Jesus purchased for them with His blood. LORD, You know both the past and the future of all people, and You bless or curse them accordingly either in this life or in eternity. People need to fight against and conquer both their inherited, sinful, human nature and their own personal nature. Your Holy Spirit is willing to come alongside to help us in this battle. We just need to ask, trust and obey. When we die, and all people will, the death of Your faithul servants will be precious in Your sight, LORD. Help us to prepare in advance in order to ease the burden of those we leave behind. Then they too will bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Genesis 48-50? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will speak blessing over children (young or adult) in my life.
- I will do something specific to bless a relative, friend, stranger or enemy this week.
- I will forgive and act kindly toward someone who has wronged me, because Christ has forgiven and acted kindly toward me.
- I will inform my family (and/or friends) of what I would like done with my body upon my death.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.