Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right, and brought them close to him. But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn.
Genesis 48:13-14 (NASB)
Have you ever stopped to ponder occasions where you have seen an unexpected choice made; be it in politics or sport, either a Scottish First Minister or a player in a national team of rugby or football? I have to admit I love it when the right choice is made, vindicated by the success of the chosen individual. Incidentally, I saw this in a football match by my home team tonight when they substituted an unexpected player in the second half, and he played well – well-done coach! But these are not truly important in the way of life, unlike the choices made by God through His servants that we read in the Bible, and today’s scripture.
Israel (Jacob) was one such servant of God nearing the end of his days on earth, and he had a choice to make ordained by God in the blessings given to his grandchildren from Joseph. The right hand was the hand of major blessing reserved for the firstborn, yet Israel crossed his hands giving the blessing reserved for the firstborn to his younger brother, the secondborn. Joseph was none too happy with his old father’s apparent error, but he was only looking at the moment – his father was serving the long term of God’s will. The proceeding history from this vindicates Israel’s obedience to God’s decision; the tribe of Ephraim was greater than that of Manasseh (Numbers 1:32-35). When God chooses someone to do His work and to bless, He does not always pick as men choose. Israel chose the biggest most handsome man to be their first King, Saul the son of Kish, who went on to be disobedient to God (1 Samuel 10:23-24). The second king was God’s choice – David the youngest son of Jesse, who faithfully served God (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Indeed the choosing of the least expected and the youngest by God is a constant theme in the Bible, where His will is obeyed.
Dear Reader, in the reading and meditation of today’s scripture I have been challenged on the topic of God’s choices in my life. Recently I have found myself being like Joseph complaining about my Father God’s choice, and realizing that instead I must accept and obey His choice. As His child by adoption, I must obey Him, content by the promises found in His Word (Romans 8:28-30) that in His care I am secure and provided for. What about you brethren; are you questioning His choices for you, or are you content in His care and provision?
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
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