Sunday, 20^th August 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: LIFE’S TRANSITIONS AND LEGACIES

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And Israel beheld Joseph’s sons and said, ‘Who are these?’ And Joseph said unto his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place’. And he said, ‘Bring them, I pray thee, unto me and I will bless them’.” – Genesis 48:8-9

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why did Joseph take his two sons to see their grandfather when they heard that Israel was sick?

 

Jacob, renamed ‘Israel’ by God, arrived in Egypt seventeen years ago due to the famine. Joseph is told, Behold, your father is sick” (Gen 48:1). Joseph rushed to Israel's bedside with his two sons, knowing the blessings of a father. That moment, three generations were brought into one room as one family. Israel represented the outgoing generation. Joseph represented the present generation, while Ephraim and Manasseh represented the future generation.

Life, given to us by God, goes through phases and transitions. Our responsibilities and opportunities in each life’s phase cannot be missed. 

Some years ago, Jacob was a man who was strong and energetic, serving 14 years for two women. But at this point in his life, when he was told that he had visitors, it took great effort, but he managed and “strengthened himself and sat upon the bed” (Gen 48:2). His strength was gone. Having walked with God all these years, Israel took the opportunity to remind Joseph and his grandsons of their spiritual roots while recounting some of the spiritual promises of God.

Israel recalled their spiritual heritage, rehearsed in their ears his spiritual experiences, and finally released a spiritual blessing. 

Joseph is the present man. The one Egypt looks up to. Also, he was to provide for and protect the family now in Egypt. Joseph's burden as governor of Egypt, father of two sons, and protector of his people was heavy. Despite this, he did not appear unprepared for the task. With all of Egypt bowing to him, Joseph bowed to his father. With all dancing attendance to him, Joseph attended to his father. Despite his authority, his father did not consult him to adopt his two children (Gen 48:5) and he said nothing. He knew the authority a father wields too. 

There will be a time when the present generation will have to pass on the baton to their children. They are the future.

Hence, they must see and draw from the present generation as they wait for their turn. But it also behoves the present generation to set a good example for the next generation. Ephraim and Manasseh had been blessed, but they needed to prepare for that superior destiny, which can, and must be theirs. In that small room, Israel passed on to the future generation a good history of the family while invoking their spiritual foundation. The future generation had a role model [Joseph] to emulate and uncles to learn from their mistakes. There’s always a danger that youthful enthusiasm will overlook the opportunities available to learn, insist on its own way, and commit its own mistakes. The future generation definitely left Israel’s room with a sense that they were blessed, had a role model, and had a solid family foundation. 

Precious one, we must live our lives, but we must set the stage for three generations after us. This can be possible if we make a conscious effort to serve our Creator in our youth. The writer of Ecclesiastics points beautifully to the youth: “...Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Eccl 12:1) because sooner or later, the sun will set on your time and rise on another’s. 

We can only build families that know God if we [ourselves] are true servants of God. Israel was purpose-driven, and until we live a purposeful lives, we will come to the end of it, not have anything meaningful to pass on to the next generation. In scripture, God always punished iniquities to the fourth generation because our actions have far-reaching consequences. However we live, our lives are going to have a negative or positive impact on generations to come. So, being an appropriate role model for the incoming generation of your family is crucial. Remember this always: buildig a solid spiritual family foundation must not be toyed with. Parental blessings are real. Being the right role model is a must, and honoring your responsibilities at each stage of life is non-negotiable. These are true legacies to pass on to our children and our children’s children. Remain blessed. 

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 48

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Is your life having a transgenerational focus?

 

CONFESSION

A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children. I affirm that my life is not only influencing and affecting this generation for God but also generations to come. Hallelujah

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

1 Kings 15; Jeremiah 41; Mark 15