Genesis 48:15 NIV
He blessed Joseph and said, “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm—may he bless these boys.”
In ancient times, it was customary for a father to pray blessings over his children. In the passage above, we see that not only did Jacob pray a blessing, but he proclaimed the goodness of God that had been with his family for previous generations, goodness that would continue to be there for generations to come. Notice he did not tell Joseph about his victories, power, or strength that would be passed down. He focused on giving glory to God for His faithfulness and proclaimed that His faithfulness would go on for generations, spanning thousands of years.
It is easy to look at all the victories that we have had in life and view ourselves as having significant accomplishments. Yet, we must never forget that every accomplishment comes from the hand of God (2 Corinthians 3:5-6). It is He who “gifts” us. He gives us health, strength, wisdom, and everything else needed for victory in life. Yes, we are to do our part and make the most of everything God has given us, but we must never forget that He is the only reason for any victories that we have (Psalm 62:7). He, and He alone, deserves the glory (Psalm 115:1).
The passage above contains the first mention in scripture of God as a Shepherd to His people. In his last days, Jacob saw God as the great Shepherd of his life. He is also our great Shepherd—if we will allow Him to be. He is caring for us now, even in a chaotic time in our world. He is still leading us beside still waters (Psalm 23:2) when significant turbulence surrounds us. He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), enabling us to rest, knowing that our every need is met (Philippians 4:19). He is watching over us to keep us from all fear and danger (Psalm 121:8). Knowing and trusting Him is the most incredible legacy that we can leave behind (Psalm 78:4).
About the Author:
Deeanna Wall is a licensed and ordained minister who has spent the last 30 years training and equipping fellow believers, leading departmental ministries, participating in worldwide missions, and teaching people everywhere about the things of God. A lover of God and His Word, she has a unique gift for finding and imparting life-changing lessons from the Word of God to others. She desires to lead people to develop a deeper understanding of God, create a love for His Word, and enjoy an authentic and dynamic personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Whether speaking at women’s conferences, leading Bible studies, or mentoring individuals, she desires to compel others to discover how much the LORD loves them, help them find their identity in Christ, and take steps toward fulfilling their God-given purposes.
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