“But Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” (Genesis 48:18 NIV)
After decades of deception and grief, the beloved father and son were finally reunited. Jacob was nearly blind and his days were numbered, but he had found his favorite son again and that was enough. While the rest of the world experienced famine, this family feasted in impossible fellowship with one another.
Their joy couldn’t have lasted very long. Joseph’s sons were born back in chapter 41, yet here in chapter 48 Manasseh and Ephraim were still small enough to sit on their frail and failing grandfather’s knee. It seems that Joseph and his father had only a few quick years to catch up on everything they’d missed. Among the stories exchanged: Jacob had shared the promise that God had given him as a young man on the run from a rightfully angry brother. We are reminded how the promises of God are passed down from one generation to another.
Then Jacob began to bless Joseph’s sons as though they are his very own. We recognize their names listed in the tribes of Israel. Joseph missed much of his life with his father, but he received a double-portion of his blessing by virtue of his kids. Manasseh and Ephraim took his place in the annals of family history. Isn’t that what every parent wants, for their kids to experience God in even greater measure?
Joseph had settled his children on his father’s lap, putting Manasseh under his father’s right as firstborn boys were entitled to the greater blessing. But Jacob (also known as Israel) had other plans.
“But Israel reached out his hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was younger, and closing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was firstborn. And he blessed them…” (Genesis 48:14-15 NIV)
Joseph was just sure his father had gotten wrong. He even attempted to rearrange the old man’s hands. But dear old dad refused. Jacob was aged and blind, but he wasn’t senile. He knew exactly who he was blessing. He had the inside information: both boys would grow up to be great men, but Ephraim would eclipse his older brother.
Did you notice how Joseph wanted to tell his dad how to dole out blessing? He wanted to reposition his father’s palms to bless the way he believed it would be best. Joseph was well-meaning, but over-reaching.
Don’t we do the same thing with our Father in heaven? We bring our lives to Him for blessing and we are quick to tell Him how to do it. We, too, try to rearrange the hands of God according to our own agenda. Where Jacob truly was aged and unsighted, our God is ageless and omniscient. No detail escapes His attention and He does all things well. As sin-scarred sons and daughters, we have no right or reason to tell God how to dole out His benefits. It is inappropriate and insulting. We cannot manipulate His favor according to our flawed intentions.
“I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I the Lord, do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7 NIV)
Lord, You are the Lord. You bless and bequeath as You see fit. Forgive us for attempting to rearrange Your hands, for striving to influence Your favor. Today we acknowledge You as an all-seeing and able Father. Your will is perfect and Your methods are flawless. We are the only hindrance in this family tree. Please absolve us and rightly apprise us of Your sovereignty. May we cooperate with Your perfect will even when we don’t understand what You are accomplishing. Amen.