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Day 46 – Recognition Genesis 48:1 Now it happened after these things that they told Joseph, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh, and Ephraim. 2 They told Jacob, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you’; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. 3 Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty (El Shadday) appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ 5 Now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6 Your offspring whom you bear after them will be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 As for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” 8 Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?” 9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God (Elohiym) gave me in this place.” He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.” 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God (Elohiym) has also shown me your offspring!” 12 Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. 13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right hand and brought them near him. 14 Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 He blessed Joseph, and said: “God (Elohiym), before whom my father’s Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who fed me my entire life to this day, 16 the Angel (Malak) who redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; let my name be named upon them, and the name of my father’s Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” 17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so, he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” 19 His father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great; but his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God (Elohiym) make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’” Thus, he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God (Elohiym) will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.” God’s name: Elohiym – Mighty God God’s character: El Shadday – God Almighty Guide Everyone wants recognition that they are part of something, did something important, or they matter to someone. It doesn’t matter what kind of recognition they get so long as it doesn’t bring disgrace to them. Joseph learned his father was dying and brought his children to him for his blessing. When Israel learned he was there, Joseph placed his children, Ephraim on the right hand and Manasseh on his left. However, Israel crossed his hands as he laid them on their heads and blessed them according to Elohiym’s blessing. When Joseph saw it, he tried to remove his father’s hand and place it on the firstborn, but Israel told him, Elohiym would bless the younger ahead of the elder. Many Christians complain because their position in the body of Christ is less than they expect. Their expectations bring greater recognition in their mind’s eye than what they believe Elohiym gave them. What do you expect in your Christian walk? Do you want recognition among the great men and women of Elohiym? Remember, it isn’t you who decides where you will be the most effective for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elohiym blesses you according to His plan for your life. Your attitude in the body of Christ should be to go where Elohiym leads. Let Him guide your life. Then you will find Elohiym’s blessing in ways you didn’t expect. Israel told Joseph Ephraim would become a great people and would receive blessings from Elohiym, but Manasseh would receive the greater blessing. Don’t look at your blessing as minor. You have a role to play in Elohiym’s plan for your life. When you look back at your life, you will see the greater picture and see how Elohiym blessed you far more than you expected. Let’s pray: Father, help me to be content with the blessings You give me, knowing that I am where You want me to be effective for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 4 March 2024 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.