GENESIS SERIES
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| THE BIBLE. EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON. |
CHAPTER 48 Joseph with his dying father.
In Chapter 48 Israel said to Joseph ‘I
am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to Canaan,
the land of your fathers’. (vs21). It is interesting to note that although
Jacob was dying, he gathered strength to greet Joseph and tell him what God had
conveyed to him Jacob also told Joseph about the inheritance for his adopted
grandsons and blessed them (vs 20) according to his purpose, rather than what
Joseph recommended. Jacob also blessed Joseph and highlighted again the reason
for giving Joseph the inheritance of land.
One cannot help wonder whether the news
of the inheritance of land that Jacob had given to Joseph would spark a problem
for Joseph. However, Jacob even whilst he was dying showed his fatherly
concern and expressed his love for Joseph and wanted the best for him.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What is your experience of relatives who
are dying-do they gain strength to tell you something important on their minds?
What is your reaction and response to
the news of a relative dying?
What do you think the response of
Joseph’s brothers when they discover Jacob’s promise of land to Joseph?
Why did Jacob adopt Joseph’s sons as his
life was coming to a close?
Is the relationship between grandparents
and grandchildren still as important today as it was in Jacob’s time?
Why do parents perceive to ‘favour’ one
of their offspring in a family?
Chapter 48 highlights how important it
is for a dying person to be able to let their wishes be known to family
members, and the determination and strength they gain until all unfinished
business is completed.
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