Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right, and brought them close to him. But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn. 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 to this day,
The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads;
And may my name live on in them,
And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Genesis 48:13-16 NASB
There is a power in speaking blessings over our children. What I mean is a verbal prayer of forecasting what good God will do in the future to them and through them. Certainly we should pray for our children at night before we go to sleep. I pray just as much, if not more, for my grown kids. But, its important to say and speak God ordained blessings upon their lives. Not puffery, but what you really see and have heard from God. From this, they draw energy, confidence, and direction!
The life of Jacob (Israel) is truly an amazing one. The entirety of Jewish people around the world stand as a testimony to God’s faithfulness in keeping the promise long ago to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Jewish people, their very existence, and presence in the land of Canaan today- is one of the reasons I believe in God. Against insurmountable persecution and difficulty, an ongoing attempts by evil regimes to exterminate them, they stand as a people whom God has blessed. The descendants of Jacob are literally everywhere in the world today as a testimony of God’s faithfulness. And, yes, from Abraham’s lineage came the ultimate blessing- Jesus Christ who has the power to save from the power and penalty of sin. Jacob in essence ‘adopted’ Manasseh and Ephraim into his family as full heirs, but had heard God regarding who would be greater- and blessed them in that way. Amazing!
How have I blessed my kids? What words of encouragement could I speak and give them clarity regarding God’s calling on their lives?
God, as this day begins- I thank you for wonderful feeling inside of contemplating a godly legacy in my children and grandchildren. I praise you for the Kaister, I see him continually becoming a wonderful, skillful father and insightful businessman. My sweet daughter Eden, may she continue to express incredible creativity and the overflow of love in her heart. Bless her with children in your timing. Help her walk in confidence and courage. That boy Keanu! What a prize and gem. You have given him gifts galore- personality, good looks, musical talent. May he write worship songs that draw people to your very heart and throne, O God. And give him that well fit wife that will see all that we do. And Kaenan, I praise you for his wonderful personality and compassionate heart and intellect. Continue to promote him into public service, so that he might lead with Christlikeness all you entrust to his quite leadership. And lastly, I bless you for my wife and ask You to to open more and more doors for her to share her wisdom, godly wisdom, with many. Amen.
