The Blessing of Faith: Hebrews 11:21
“21) By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. Hebrews 11:21
We now have reverence back to Genesis 48 and the last words of Jacob. When Joseph went to see Jacob on his death bed, his father gathered his strength and blessed Joseph and his two sons.
It appears from the story that this might have been the first time Jacob met Josephs two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. The last thing he did was gather his strength and bless them. Let that sink in to your thinking.
There is much that could be said about this story, but foremost is that your children and grandchildren need your blessing. If it’s the last thing you do, bless your family. Pronounce a faith blessing over them.
Children need the approval of their father. When it is absent, the wounds are deep and the lack of affirmation is hard to overcome. Leaving your blessing is more important than leaving money!
Paul briefly alluded to this in 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. He shared how he encouraged and cheered for the Thessalonians as “a father would his own children.” The encouragement and blessing of a father has a profound impact on the next generation.
This legacy in some cases is a huge act of faith, but without this act of faith the blessing on the next generation is cut off. In the spiritual realm, this blessing has profound implications. It carry’s huge weight. It is hard to explain, but the absence of a blessing is almost a curse on your descendants.
If it is the last thing you do, follow the example of Jacob and verbally bless your children and grandchildren with them in your presence. Make sure they hear your words. Maybe even lay your hands of them the way Jacob did. Pass on the legacy of a blessing of faith. God will use it to shape their life and direct their path.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
