Best Verse: Genesis 48:19 “But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people and he also will be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.’”
A REPEAT?
What was Israel (Jacob) thinking? Didn’t he realize Manasseh deserved the blessing before Ephraim? Joseph tried to switch his father’s hands, but Israel stopped hm. Why? Do you remember Israel’s story? He had tricked his brother Esau into giving him his birthright and then he and his mother Rachel had tricked his father into getting Esau’s blessing.
But I don’t think Israel did this as a repeat of his own deceitfulness. I believe he truly knew Ephraim would be greater than Manasseh. I am not sure why, but he knew. After his explanation, Joseph allowed his father to continue. To the best of our knowledge neither Ephraim or Manasseh ever complained about it either.
TEACHING MOMENT
If you have more than one child, do you treat one differently than the other. Now, before you say “no” stop and think about it. It is natural to do so. They are different people who respond to you differently. It is easy to do that. Treating them differently is NOT the same as showing favoritism to one over the other.
Your children need to know that they are just as important as the other. Children get their self image from what they believe their parents think about them. Did you know that? Although you may relate better to one over the other, they don’t need to see that. Love them differently but love the same. Get it?
The Lord loves all believers the same – unconditionally. He does, however, love us differently according to how we respond to His guidance and direction. He is able to bless those who obey. So, how are you doing today in comparison with your fellow children of God?
A Moment In Time 