Scripture Text: Joshua 16:4
The people of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, received their inheritance.
Joshua 16:4
Manasseh and Ephraim were the sons of Joseph, grandsons of Israel, formerly Jacob, they were born in Egypt. The Lord used Joseph for a great salvation of Israel's tribes from the great famine that's why he got his whole family from the land of Canaan and brought them to Egypt. That time, Joseph was second rank in command to Pharaoh.
When Jacob was very old, he assembled his 12 sons including the two sons of Joseph; Manasseh and Ephraim. Jacob pronounced on each of his 12 sons a blessing that, reflecting something of their past actions, tells how their descendants will prosper in the future. Jacob clearly anticipated that Judah and Joseph will outshine their brothers.
Then, Jacob blessed his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, being viewed as two separate tribes. Consequently, when the land of Canaan was allocated, Joseph through his descendants will receive one-sixth of the territory. This double portion of the inheritance confirmed that Joseph was designated the "first born" in place of Reuben (1Chronicle 5:1-2, Genesis 35:22-23). Jacob anticipated also that after his death, his family will return to Canaan to live there forever as per the Lord planned for His people.
Because of Joseph's faithfulness to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Lord's presence was always with him. Joseph remained humble before God, he faithfully obeyed and totally entrusted his life to Him. He served with honesty and diligence to his earthly masters like Pharaoh and others and he boldly shared and introduced God to them. He helped also those people who were affected by great famine not only in Egypt but also to people from other countries and they purchased grains from Egypt through Joseph.
However, because of God's ways and provision many people were saved and survived especially the whole family of Israel And the Lord was pleased and glorified by the life of His servant Joseph that's why He gave him the full favor of inheritance through his sons Manasseh and Ephraim, and their descendants.
Therefore, if God used Joseph's life to save and preserve the people of Israel,
He will also use our lives to witness for Christ to save more souls with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the characteristics of a true Christian to spend much time in worshiping the Lord. That's why Apostle Paul emphasized that the Lord alone can change the human heart to cause true repentance and faith.
Reflect
1. Do you want to receive full favor from God?
2. Do you know that receiving full favor from God is only through Christ Jesus?
3. Are you willing to commit your life to God by committing to witnessing for Jesus Christ to save more souls?
Remember
God's full favor will be given to those who are willing to obey, follow, commit and entrust their lives to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Read
Genesis chapters 48 & 49
Joshua chapters 16 & 17
Acts 2:46-47
Pray
Dear God, I understand that to receive Your full favor requires faith in You through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to fully and steadily commit my life to You, by committing to the works that Jesus left us to do until His return. Please make me faithful and true to the very end. In Jesus mighty Name. Amen!
Comments