The Shepherd of My Life (Oct 19)
Gen 48-50 conclude the book of
beginnings by recording the final
acts of Jacob and Joseph, along
with their deaths and burials.
Jacob’s blessing upon Joseph’s
two sons, announcing that the
younger would be more honoured
than the older, is in keeping with
the pattern established in Genesis
(Isaac instead of Ismael, Jacob
instead of Esau, Joseph instead
of Reuben). As his final earthly act,
Jacob blesses each of his 12 sons,
giving a divinely guided pronounce
-ment of their future history.
Jacob’s body is embalmed and
taken back to Canaan for burial,
while Joseph’s body remains
in Egypt until the release of
the newly born nation of Israel.
Lord, You are the Shepherd of Life:
Then (Jacob) blessed Joseph and
said: May the God before whom
my fathers Abraham and Issac
walked, the God who has been
my Shepherd all my life to this day…
may he bless these boys…
and may they increase greatly
upon the earth (Gen 48:15-16).
Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful
vine near a spring..His bow remained
in strength, and the arms of his
hands were made strong by the
hands of the Mighty God of Jacob…
because of the Shepherd,
the Rock of Israel… By the
God of your father who will
help you, and the Almighty who
will bless you, with blessings of
heaven above (Gen 49:22-25).
Lord, we note Jacob at the end of his eventful life, spoke of the God who has been my Shepherd all my life.
This was quite a claim for a man
who had known mixed fortunes tho
much of the pain were self-inflicted.
But we know from Israel history that
even in the dark experiences was a God who cared & carried His people.
Lord of lovingkindness, grant me
discernment of Jacob to see Your
caring and guiding hands through
the challenges of life. In Jesus’ name.
Lord, because You are my shepherd,
You are the provider of my needs;
protector of my safety as well as
the guider of my soul and direction.
Forgive me for discontent, for I have
disregarded what You have given.
With all the confusion ahead of me,
I need You to guide me on the
right path; for I can’t see which way
to go and what decision to make.
Thank You Lord for being my shepherd, who knows what’s best
and leads me in that direction. Amen
Lord the Almighty Shepherd,
throughout history, You have chosen
Israel as Your very own people.
Through Israel, You’ve also delivered
to all humanity the gift of salvation
thru one of their own Jesus Christ.
We praise Your plan of salvation
and for delivering Israel so that
Jesus Christ could enter the world.
And we look forward to His return
for gathering of His sheep including
those from the nation of Israel. Amen