Read Through the Bible in a Year 2018 Day 17: The Sons of Israel

Good morning, everyone!

In today's reading (Genesis 48-50), Israel dies and his sons go to bury him.

Now, there are two things I want to talk about from today's reading.

First, Joseph's sons.

Ephraim and Manasseh.

Manasseh is the older, but when Israel blessed Joseph's sons before his death, he placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, giving him the greater blessing.

It was usual in those days for the oldest son to inherit everything, for his blessing to be greater than the younger's.

But Jacob was the youngest, and he usurped Esau's birthright.

Later, we will see David, a young shepherd boy, become God's chosen king over all the rest of his older brothers.

Sometimes the greatest blessing goes to the younger child.

Now, being the oldest child in my family, I don't find this comforting or anything.

But I do find it amazing.

God doesn't care how old you are or what your birth order is.

He chooses to bless whom he chooses to bless. He chooses to use whom He chooses to use.

And age, or gender, or birth order has nothing to do with it. He looks at the heart of the person.

God has a plan for each of us.

And that just makes amazes me.

Secondly, I want to talk about what Joseph says to his brothers after they bury their father.

Joseph's brothers are worried that Joseph will bear a grudge now that their father is dead, and put them all to death. Here is Joseph's response:

Genesis 50:19-21 - But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

What you meant for evil, God meant for my good.

Whatever your plan for me, God's plan was greater.

Sometimes The Enemy plots something evil against us.

But God's plans for us are always good.

Whatever you are going through today, remember that whatever the Enemy has planned for evil, God can turn it around for good.

Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord.

I hope we all remember that as we go through the rest of our week.

I will see you tomorrow when I begin my study of Exodus.