The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 8 February 2023 – God’s Election
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TOPIC: God’s Election
READ: Genesis 48:13-22
13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head.
18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.
22 Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
THE MESSAGE:
Joseph brought his two sons – Manasseh and Ephraim, for his father to bless them. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Jacob placed his right hand on the head of Ephraim (the younger) and his left hand on the head of Manasseh (the elder). Joseph tried to exchange the hands, believing that because of his father’s visual impairment, he did not know what he was doing. However, Jacob refused, blessed them and told Joseph that God will bring them back to Canaan.
God is sovereign and can bless whosoever He wants. He preferred Jacob to Esau. He preferred Joseph (the 11th) to his elder brothers. God shows mercy and compassion upon whom He decides. You cannot query God’s choice or his election. “No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘what have you done?’” (Daniel 4:35). If God decides to bless you above your siblings, it is His choice. It should humble you and make you grateful to Him. It does not call for disrespect to your elders. As parents, let us ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we pronounce blessings upon our children or grandchildren.
PRAYER: We thank You Lord for You know the reason why You prefer us to others better than us. Help us to be grateful. Amen.
