Genesis
chapter 48 includes an incredible adoption into the family of Israel.
The chapter begins, “Some
time later Joseph was told “your father is ill”. So he
took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim along with him“.
We read “Israel
rallied his strength and sat up in bed“,
he was about to do something very important. First Israel recounts
the blessing that was given to Abraham, Isaac and himself. Then he
tells Joseph, “Your
two sons born to you in Egypt… will be reckoned as mine. Ephraim
and Manasseh will be mine, just as Simeon and Reuben are mine“.
Israel’s eyes are failing, and Joseph brings each son to his father,
and “he
kissed them and embraced them“.
Next, Joseph carefully places the older son on his left side
(Israel’s right), and the younger son on his right side (Israel’s
left). But Israel crosses his arm and places his right hand on
Ephraim’s head and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, “even
though Manasseh was first born“.
Then Israel asks for God’s blessing on the boys, “May
the be called by my name and the names of my fathers…may they
increase greatly“.
Literally, Israel splits the tribe of Joseph into two tribes that
are included when the twelve tribes of Israel are listed. They are
never listed as adopted, they are given full status as sons with all
the full inheritance of the land they will possess (400 years later).
This precedent is another foreshadowing of the adoption we
experience through Christ.
Romans
chapter 8 details how we Gentiles become adopted into the family of
God when we accept Jesus as our Savior. “For
all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of
God. For you have not received a Spirit of slavery leading to fear,
but you have received a Spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry
out “Abba! Father!”
(or Daddy!). The verse continues, “and
if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ“.
Wow, we are completely adopted with all the rights and privileges of
children of God. It is only when we understand our wonderful access
to God that we can truly live in a way that honors God. Though we
might try with all our might to do right, we cannot overcome the
desires of the flesh. But when we allow the Holy Spirit of God to
work, we become wonderful works of God. We are even called the
“First
Fruits of the Spirit”
because as God works in our lives, others are drawn to Christ. It is
when we acknowledge that we can’t do it on our own that we become
useful to God. It’s by the power of God’s Holy Spirit that we can
say with confidence, “Who
can separate us from the love of Christ?“.
Joseph,
seeing that Israel’s right hand, the hand of preeminence, is on the
younger son, tries to correct his father. “No
my father, this one is the first born“.
But Israel explains, “I
know, my son, I know. He too will be great. Nevertheless, the
younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendents will
become a group of nations“.
Israel continues, “I
am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the
land of your fathers“.
Once again the mantel is passed on to the next generation. God
works through those that are willing, not always the obvious choice.
Every generation must have leaders that will continue to share the
good news of salvation. Will you allow God to work through your
life?