What lessons on faith can we learn from Jacob's actions in Genesis 48:14? Jacob's Crossed Hands: The Scene in Genesis 48:14 “Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his hands, he placed his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.” Faith Sees Beyond Human Order • Jacob disregards the cultural expectation of giving the right-hand blessing to the firstborn. • He trusts God’s sovereign plan over custom, mirroring previous divine choices of Abel over Cain, Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau. • Lesson: Faith looks past what seems natural or logical and confidently follows God’s revealed purposes (Isaiah 55:8-9). Faith Submits to God’s Sovereignty • Jacob knew from lifelong experience that God delights in choosing the unlikely (Genesis 25:23; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Crossing his hands was not favoritism but obedience—he was aligning with God’s foreknowledge of Ephraim’s future prominence (Numbers 1:33). • Lesson: Genuine faith yields to God’s wisdom even when it overturns our own expectations. Faith Acts Courageously in the Face of Opposition • Joseph “was displeased” and tried to switch the hands (Genesis 48:17-18). • Jacob gently but firmly replied, “I know, my son, I know” (v. 19), holding to what God had made clear. • Lesson: Faith sometimes requires gracious yet resolute perseverance when others misunderstand (Galatians 1:10). Faith Invests in the Next Generation • Jacob’s last recorded act is blessing grandchildren—his vision extends beyond his lifetime (Hebrews 11:21). • He transmits the covenant promise to the future tribes of Israel, demonstrating that God’s plan spans generations (Psalm 78:5-7). • Lesson: Faith thinks generationally, praying and acting so that successors will walk in God’s purposes. Faith Holds Fast to God’s Promises to the End • At 147, weak in body, Jacob is strong in belief. His crossed-hand blessing shows unwavering trust right up to death (Genesis 48:15-16). • He anticipates the land, the multiplied people, and the Messiah who will come through Judah (Genesis 49:10). • Lesson: Faith is not a sprint but a lifelong dependence on God’s unchanging promises (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Key Takeaways • Faith prioritizes God’s revelation over tradition and appearances. • Faith submits to divine sovereignty, even when it defies human logic. • Faith stands firm with humility when challenged. • Faith intentionally passes blessing and truth to those who follow. • Faith perseveres until life’s final breath, convinced that God will fulfill every promise. |
    |