[NIV] 1 Some time later Joseph was told, "Your fatheris ill." So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraimalong with him. - P92
5 Now then, your two sons born to you in Egypt beforeI came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraimand Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeonare mine.
6 Any children born to you after them will be ythe territory they inherit they will be reckoned under theyours; innames of their brothers.
- P92
9 "They are the sons God has given me here," Josephsaid to his father. Then Israel said, "Bring them to meso I may bless them."
10 Now Israel‘s eyes were failing because of old age, andhe could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close tohim, and his father kissed them and embraced them.
- P93
Joseph comes to visit his father, having heard that he is ill. The newsabout Joseph‘s visit revives the frail Jacob as he retells the story of God‘sblessing and promise, testifying to God‘s enduring faithfulness. - P94
Although he is about to die in Egypt, Jacob is sure that God will fulfill Hispromise that his descendants will inherit the land of Canaan. - P94
AlthoughGod might work in ways that we may not expect or be familiar with,
He always accomplishes what He promised to do. - P94
One way we can keepour faith strong is to remind ourselves of His promises and how He hascarried us over the years. - P94
Sharing stories of God‘s goodness with thosearound us also helps sustain us. - P94
Jacob is pleased to welcome Ephraim and Manasseh, the two sons ofJoseph, among the children of Israel. - P94
They will be counted among thetwelve tribes who will inherit the Promised Land. They have attainedthis special status purely on the basis of their grandfather‘s will. - P94
Likewise, though we were once estranged from God, He adopted us out ofHis grace. - P94
We are now His children and share in His Son‘s inheritance.
- P94
There is absolutely nothing we could have done to earn our place inGod‘s family, but God brought us in, and He will guide and protecteach of us until we reach our eternal home. - P94
God‘s unmerited favortoward us is our primary motivation to live for Him. - P94
Acentral component of the gospel message is that those who believe inJesus Christ have been born into the family of God. - P95
The apostle Johnexclaims, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that weshould be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1). This is a key truth.
- P95
The fact that we are called by God‘s name comes with significantimplications: we are His representatives in the world.
- P95
For many people, the first time they have an experiential encounterwith God is through a believer. Therefore, how we live in the worldhas a direct bearing on our Christian witness. - P95
That said, everythingwe need to live holy and blameless lives has already been given to uson account of our union with Christ (Eph. 1:3-4). - P95
As God‘s children.therefore, let us live lives
that reflect His character, for our good Fathehas provided us with everything we need to do so. - P95
Dear Lord, thank you for loving me and accepting me unconditionally so that Ihave this great privilege of being called Your child. - P95
Please help me to live a lifethat is consistent with who I am in You. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P95
|