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| LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH THE PATRIARCH - Part 16 – Joseph’s Legacy to His Sons |
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Text: Genesis 48 Sometimes remarkable men in the Bible have been greatly used by God but have failed to leave a spiritual legacy to their children. They may well have left them houses and riches but these are nothing compared to spiritual blessings. Joseph was not like that. In the first verse of this chapter we see him going to visit his sick father and taking his two sons with him. He is a man who obviously instils a sense of duty and respect towards parents and grandparents. Throughout his life Joseph shows a tremendous sense of family responsibility. This would indicate that he would have been an inspiration and great spiritual example to his wife and sons. Although it would seem that Egypt may well have been going through a period of spiritual revival, having a Hyksos Pharaoh on its’ throne, we can be sure that Joseph personally undertook the spiritual training of his sons. His wife, although probably now a believer, was still born into an Egyptian family that had ministered in the pagan priesthood. She, no doubt, would have needed Joseph to be her teacher and spiritual guide. After his father dies Joseph promises to look after and protect the family and I have no doubt but that would have included their spiritual needs (Genesis 50:21) His last word to the family is a prophecy that God would visit them. He makes them swear to take his bones back to the Promised Land when God will lead them there. (Genesis 50:24&25) Proverbs 11:25-27 seem to describe Joseph. They speak of the reward of one who is generous and gives out water and grain – Joseph certainly did that –and they end by saying, “He who earnestly seeks good finds favour.” This describes his promotion by Pharaoh and also his relationship with his family when they are re-united again. Jacob can clearly see that Joseph has exceeded all expectations and his reward is to give an extra portion of land out of his personal estate to Joseph. Of course this land would pass on to his two boys. Children benefit by the godly character of their parents (Proverbs 13:22). This portion of land would be richly blessed later on as it was the place where Jesus felt wearied and sat down by the well. Here a woman from the place would find salvation and living waters. What a blessed inheritance Joseph had – what a precious blessing for his sons to inherit (Genesis 48:22, Proverbs 11:25b, John 4:5-42) Joseph’s sons would have families that would become powerful and prosperous in Israel. The most famous of Ephraim’s descendents was Joshua. From the descendents of Joseph’s other son Manasseh would come four famous judges, Gideon, Abimelech, Jair, and Jephthah. Samuel the priest was a Levite who lived in Mount Ephraim. The Lord knows that some of our descendents will make wrong and ungodly choices but if we have led a life pleasing to Him it seems that He will hear our prayers for our descendents and at the right time draw them to Himself. When Jacob prophecies over his twelve sons, he pronounces blessings over Joseph “who was separate from his brethren” (Genesis 49:26b). It is interesting that the word translated separate is nazir, from which we get Nazirite. A Nazirite was one devoted totally unto God. That speaks of passion for the Lord – may we desire that with all our hearts. Further Study Genesis18:17-19 Psalm1 Psalm92:8-15 Psalm112 Psalm127:3-5 Psalm128:3-6 |
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