In the past week, I have had several requests to write more about yearning for the favor of God. I’ve had a few ideas, yet each stalled quickly, causing me to go back to the drawing board. Then I read Genesis 49 yesterday, inspiring today’s title and prayer, that each of my readers may receive their father’s blessing.
Not long after moving to Egypt, Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, gathered his sons to be in his presence prior to his death. Beginning in Genesis 49:2, Jacob gives a verbal last will and testament in the form of blessings and curses. Ending 26 verses later in Genesis 49:27, this is one of the most fascinating passages in the Bible, a foreshadowing of the good, bad and ugly future Israelites will experience.
After the dust settled, there was probably several heart broken men. Reuben was cursed, Simeon and Levi criticized for their tempers, Issachar had slavery to look forward to and Benjamin is projected to be a wolf. Meanwhile, 5 others were given compliments per say as Zebulun’s descendants were promised the seaside, Dan people of justice, Gad a resilient fighter, Asher food fit for a king and Naphalti good looking children. Judah and Joseph are the only 2 boys who received what I call a full blessing, each detailed in several verses compared to 1 or 2.
Unfortunately, the negativity of this current generation can be attributed somewhat due to a lack of father figures and or not hearing compliments from their father. Anger, frustration and a spirit of perfectionism often keeps me and many other dads from taking time to praise their children. Yes, kids do let parent’s down, but young people do need to be lifted up to restore what little confidence they possess. As the apostle Paul urges believers in Galatians 6:9-10, share a word of encouragement while there is still time. By doing this, may you receive your heavenly Father’s blessings.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 