Read: Genesis 48:1-28
“. . .because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb. Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills.” - Genesis 49:24-26
My wife’s grandmother passed away many years ago, yet at each family gathering, I hear tales of Granny’s blessings to them. Jacob’s sons probably had similar conversations after their father’s death.
In Genesis 49, Jacob’s life is drawing to a close. Despite the trials and tribulations of his life, he draws comfort from his sons. There is a heaviness in the air. The boys are now men, and they know they are about to receive their father’s final blessing.
Jacob describes the future of the 12 tribes of Israel that will be his and his sons’ legacy. Then, as he blesses Joseph, Jacob delivers a resounding reminder that God is the true source of all blessings: “...because of your father’s God...because of the Almighty... Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains” (Genesis 49:24b-26). Jacob reminds his family that he is able to bless them only because God has blessed them first.
Weekly, Granny gathered the children around and told stories from the Bible. I can imagine her telling this story. The children are captivated by her every word and whisper. She closes the story using Jacob’s dying reminder that all blessings are from our mighty and sovereign God, and through His blessings, we can be a blessing to others.
