JOSEPH VISITS JACOB DURING HIS LAST ILLNESS

This tells us of Jacob’s last sickness and his blessing of the two sons of Joseph. We are told in Hebrews 11:21 that “by faith Jacob, when was a-dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, upon the top of his staff.”

This chapter gives us another occasion to see further evidence of the spiritual growth of Jacob. He has come a long, long way since his early days. We may feel that it is unfortunate that these traits which appear in the last days of Jacob were not present in his early life.

But isn’t it wonderful to be able to observe in this that spiritual life is a growth and a development!

It is not some sensational experience which takes place in a moment of time, but it is described scripturally as a walk in the Spirit. There was too much of the old nature in Jacob when he was a young man, and the new nature is not discerned until he is an old man.

A fine-looking couple in Memphis, Tennessee, had come forward after a service. I asked them what they came forward for. They said they wanted all that God had for them. I found out that they came forward every Sunday.

They thought they would have some sensational, momentous experience that would all of a sudden make them fully grown Christians. Scripture tells us we are to “. . . grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

We see in Jacob that we must wait for the fruit of the Spirit to develop. But thank God for the possibility of growth in our lives and for the patience of God which permits it. Also, we can thank Him that He doesn’t move in, as we would, and try to force growth.

God very patiently dealt with Jacob, and He will deal very patiently with you and me.

Genesis 48:1-4 KJV

[1] And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

[2] And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.

[3] And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

[4] And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.

Genesis 48:1 KJV

And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Genesis 48:2 KJV

And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.

Genesis 48:3 KJV

And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

Genesis 48:4 KJV

And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.

I hope that you have really enjoyed this post,