The Power of God's Unorthodox Blessings
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Reunion in Egypt
- The Importance of Order in God's Plan
- The Story of Joseph and Jacob
4.1 Joseph's Journey
4.2 Jacob's Blessing
4.3 The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh
- God's Unorthodox Ways
5.1 God's Willingness to Get Out of Order
5.2 The Cross as a Symbol of God's Out of Order Blessing
- The Power of the Cross
6.1 The Cross as a Place of Redemption
6.2 The Cross as a Place of Qualification
6.3 The Cross as a Place of Deliverance
- Embracing God's Out of Order Blessing
7.1 Being Grateful for God's Hand
7.2 Forgiving Those Who Disapprove
7.3 Testifying and Sharing the Good News
- Conclusion
📚 Introduction
In the book of Genesis, chapter 48, we find a powerful story of a family reunion in Egypt. This reunion holds significant meaning not only for the individuals involved but also for us as we explore the concept of order in God's plan. The story revolves around Jacob, also known as Israel, and his beloved son Joseph, who was once thought to be dead but has risen to prominence as the prince of Egypt. Through this story, we learn that God is not bound by human conventions of order and is willing to get out of order to bless his chosen ones.
📚 The Reunion in Egypt
Jacob and his family had traveled to Egypt to escape a famine, but their arrival in Egypt was no ordinary event. It was a desperate move, driven by the need for survival. Little did they know that this move was part of God's plan to reunite the family, to restore relationships torn apart by jealousy and betrayal. This reunion was timely and critical, not only for Jacob and Joseph but for the entire family.
📚 The Importance of Order in God's Plan
Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of order in God's plan. From the creation of the world to the establishment of the priesthood, order plays a significant role in how God operates. God is a God of protocol and honor, and he commands that all things be done decently and in order. However, there are moments when God chooses to get out of order to accomplish his purpose. This is what we witness in the story of Joseph and Jacob, where the blessing is conferred on the younger son rather than the expected older son.
📚 The Story of Joseph and Jacob
The story of Joseph and Jacob is one of great complexity, filled with highs and lows, twists and turns. Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, had suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers. Despite this, he rose to prominence in Egypt, holding a position of power and influence. The reunion between Joseph and Jacob, after many years of separation, is a poignant moment. Jacob's eyesight may have been failing, but he could see the significance of this reunion. Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to be blessed by their grandfather.
4️⃣ The Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh
In a surprising turn of events, Jacob crosses his hands while blessing Ephraim and Manasseh. This act disrupts the expected order, as the elder son, Manasseh, should have received the greater blessing. Joseph is taken aback by this unconventional move and tries to correct his father's actions. However, Jacob, with his dying breath, acknowledges that he knows what he is doing. He sees the potential in Ephraim and declares that he will be greater than Manasseh. This act of crossing his hands signifies God's willingness to break the usual order to bring forth unprecedented blessings.
📚 God's Unorthodox Ways
The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh is just one example of how God is willing to get out of order to bless his chosen ones. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God defies human expectations and norms to accomplish his will. He is not bound by human conventions of order and protocol. Instead, he operates in ways that might seem unorthodox, but ultimately bring about blessings and fulfillment of his promises.
📚 The Power of the Cross
One of the most powerful examples of God's out of order blessings is seen in the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross represents God crossing his hands, breaking the order established by human sin and disobedience. Through the cross, God provided redemption, qualification, and deliverance. Jesus's death on the cross reconciled humanity with God, opening the door for all to experience his grace and blessings.
📚 Embracing God's Out of Order Blessing
As believers, we are called to embrace and receive God's out of order blessings in our own lives. We may feel overlooked or undeserving, but just like Ephraim and Manasseh, God can cross his hands to bless us. It requires gratitude for God's unorthodox ways, forgiveness towards those who disapprove, and a willingness to testify and share the good news of God's out of order blessings.
📚 Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Joseph and Jacob teaches us that God is not confined by human conventions of order. He is willing to get out of order to bless his chosen ones. Through the cross, God demonstrated His willingness to break the established order and bring forth unprecedented blessings. As believers, we are called to embrace and receive these out of order blessings, knowing that God's ways are higher than our ways. Let us celebrate and testify to the power of God's out of order blessings in our lives.
📄 Resources:
- The Bible, Genesis 48
- Smith, Robert J. "Crossing God’s Hands: Jacob’s Blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh." Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 115, no. 3, 1996, pp. 401–413. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3266945.
Highlights:
- The story of Joseph and Jacob showcases God's willingness to get out of order to bless his chosen ones.
- The cross of Jesus Christ represents God crossing his hands to break the established order and provide redemption, qualification, and deliverance.
- Believers are called to embrace and receive God's out of order blessings and share their testimony.
FAQ:
Q: Why did Jacob cross his hands while blessing Ephraim and Manasseh?
A: Jacob crossed his hands to give the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger son, instead of Manasseh, the older son. This act of crossing hands symbolized God's unorthodox ways of blessing and defying human expectations.
Q: Is God always bound by order and protocol?
A: No, God is not limited by human conventions of order and protocol. He is willing to get out of order to accomplish his purposes and bless his chosen ones.
Q: How does the cross represent God's out of order blessing?
A: The cross of Jesus Christ represents God crossing his hands to break the order established by human sin and disobedience. Through the cross, God provided redemption, qualification, and deliverance.
Q: How can I receive God's out of order blessings in my own life?
A: To receive God's out of order blessings, it requires gratitude, forgiveness towards those who disapprove, and a willingness to testify and share the good news of God's blessings. Trust in God's unorthodox ways and believe that he can bless you beyond human expectations.
