If we understand what it is to be a forgiven sinner, then we will forgive. Joseph expresses his confidence that everything has happened according to God's will and purpose. The…
After Jacob's death, Joseph's brothers fear he will seek vengeance for what they did. Do we fear that God has not really forgiven us? We mistake God for being like…
Christian funerals acknowledge genuine grief. Joseph weeps for Jacob, and Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus. There are similarities and differences with other kinds of funerals. Jacob is embalmed…
How do we die well? It is to die declaring our faith, as Jacob did, wanting to be buried in Canaan, as he believed the promise. Will we declare our…
How can we be useful in the Lord's service? Joseph was fruitful because he depended on the Lord, and was enabled by Him, even in his dark circumstances. We need…
Jacob's words to Joseph are less prophetical and more about his life and character. He calls him a fruitful bough by a spring. He had been fruitful in having children,…
Judah is the first of Jacob's sons in this passage to receive a blessing. He had confessed his sins and became merciful and compassionate. Christians are not chosen by merit.…
The tribe of Gad would settle east of the Jordan, but it made them vulnerable. Our choices can make us vulnerable to particular sins. Asher would be blessed, and the…
Jacob continues the prophetic blessings and curses. Zebulun would prosper from the sea, yet they missed out on real blessing just as people can benefit from Christian values in the…
Jacob's final words to his sons contain both blessings and curses. Reuben forfeited his privileges as the firstborn. Although he was not outside of the covenant promises, we should fear…