Genesis 48:15-16 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk… I. To ILLUSTRATE THE TEXT. 1. Here is Jacob's recollection and acknowledgment of the Divine goodness and care. He acknowledgeth God, as the God of his pious ancestors, and as his constant preserver and benefactor. II. TO CONSIDER WHAT INSTRUCTIVE LESSONS AGED CHRISTIANS MAY DRAW FROM HENCE. 1. It is their duty to recollect and acknowledge their long experience of God's goodness and care. (1) It will promote and cherish your gratitude to God. (2) It will tend to prevent your murmuring under the burdens and infirmities of age. (3) It will promote your continued activity in God's service. (4) It will encourage your prayers and your hope. 2. It is the duty of aged and dying Christians to bless and pray for their descendants. (1) It is a becoming expression of your faith and trust in God and regard for your children. (2) It will be likely to make a good impression upon their hearts, and so qualify them for the Divine blessing. (3) It is the way to procure the Divine blessing for them.Concluding reflections: 1. Let children desire and value the prayer and blessing of their aged, dying parents. 2. Let the children of good men labour to secure the blessing for themselves. (J. Often.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, |
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