10They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor. - P63
We can be certain that God is always faithful to His people, and that He will grant all the blessings He has promised. - P64
Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, receive their inheritance along with the other tribes. Although they are Joseph’s sons, they are treated as Jacob’s sons because of the promised blessing in Genesis 48: When Joseph presented his two sons to his father for a blessing, Jacob declared that they would be equal to his own sons, and extended God’s blessings to them—to become numerous and to receive land as an inheritance. The book of Joshua shows that this promise is being fulfilled. - P64
Typically, the eldest son has the greatest responsibility and blessing, butwe see a reversed blessing in the prominence of the younger son. AlthoughEphraim is the second son of Joseph, the territory of the Ephraimites isdescribed first, before that of the Manassites. When Jacob gave his bless-ings in Genesis 48, he deliberately reversed their order and gave the greaterblessing to Ephraim rather than to the firstborn, Manasseh. The allotmentto the Ephraimites coming ahead of that of the Manassites reflects thatblessing. - P64
God‘s kingdom often highlights humility and grace rather thanthe power and pride that are glorified in the world. We are reminded notto take anything for granted, and instead be grateful, humble, and faithfulwith what we have received. - P64
Even regarding the things we do not see, we have faith and confi-dence; we have hope that God will bring everything to completion and freeus from all sickness and darkness through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Letter to the Hebrews continues,
please God, because anyone who co without faith it is impossible toto him must believe that he existsand that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Heb. 11:6). Let usplace our confidence in God and seek Him earnestly so that our lives maybe pleasing to Him. - P65
Lord, I am blessed to be one of Your people. Thank you for all the blessings You have promised through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May I humbly and faithfully live out the calling You have given to me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P65
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