An Unusual Blessing: Part 2

When the apostle Paul wanted to encourage Timothy in his faith and ministry, he wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim. 1:5). He reminded Timothy of his legacy of faith from the blessing of his family.

When Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, he also reminded them of the legacy of faith in their family. He reminded them that his father and grandfather “walked faithfully” before God (v. 15). “Walked faithfully” is a key phrase. It not only describes the faith of Abraham and Isaac but also the faith of men like Enoch and Noah (see 5:22; 6:9). It also describes the essence of covenant faith that the people of Israel will need in the future (see Deut. 30:16; Micah 6:8). Jacob wants these boys to know that they are a part of a family of faith, people who walk closely with God.

As Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph noticed that he had crossed his hands so that the younger son was receiving the blessing of the right hand. Joseph tried to correct what must surely have been a mistake, but Jacob firmly rejected his correction. He intended the younger to be blessed over the older.

This is another example of the theme throughout Genesis, following the pattern of Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and now Ephraim and Manasseh. God’s blessing does not take worldly standards into account. His blessing is purely an act of His grace and cannot be presumed upon because of birth or position. Jacob also assures Joseph that both sons will be blessed and will have many descendants.

Pray with Us

Please include the rest of the Enterprise Infrastructure Services in your prayers today. Thank God for the service of system administrators Kyle Sparrow, Paul Walker, and Joseph Straw that enables Moody’s ministries across the globe.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.