Genesis 48:15-16, Heirs to the promise

“May the God before whom my fathers  Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd  all my life to this day,  the Angel who has delivered me from all harm —may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth.”

First, we have to think Joseph’s children were only half Hebrew. After all, he was in Egypt…probably took an Egyptian wife. And, Jacob himself said to Joseph “Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came here will be reckoned as mine”. Then, Jacob proceeds to bless them.

This is very important. It is a precursor to the clear teaching by the Apostle Paul that the seed of Abraham is a function of faith, not fatherhood. It’s easy for Christians to get discouraged and doubtful in the face of adversity. It’s difficult to believe God will get “up close and personal” with us.  After all, It’s not like we’re “God’s chosen!”

Well, actually, we are…

Live boldly out there today…