28 July Genesis 47

Be a blessing to others

Genesis 47:7-10 (NIV) “Then Joseph brought his father Jacob in and presented him before Pharaoh. After Jacob blessed Pharaoh, 8 Pharaoh asked him, “How old are you?” 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” 10 Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence”.

Jacob blessed Pharaoh twice, which is essential because it shows that Jacob, who inherited God's promise to Abraham and Isaac, was considered more significant than Pharaoh, the ruler of the world's most powerful empire at the time. This also demonstrates that Jacob acknowledged God's control and kindness in his life despite his difficulties and struggles. Jacob's blessing was a testament to his faith and hope in God.

Jacob's blessing of Pharaoh is not just an act of politeness, he wasn't merely showing respect or using a standard religious greeting. Instead, by blessing Pharaoh, Jacob was placing himself above Pharaoh, offering him something he lacks. Although Pharaoh was the leader of the world's greatest nation, he doesn't have what Jacob has: God's favour.

Jacob blessed Pharaoh, notably ‘Pharaoh did not bless Jacob’. The spiritual man, the man of God, the one of the covenant, had more than what the greatest man in the world possessed.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we must remember our place: we are children of God, chosen by God to be forgiven through the sacrifice of His Son, ambassadors of His Heavenly Kingdom here on earth, and possessors of the Holy Spirit. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17 (AMP) “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord”.

God has called us to bless others. Like Jacob, we must take up our spiritual authority and speak blessing wherever we go. We must be the change that this world needs. We have to take God’s blessing, favour, and peace to the Pharaohs of this world.

Jesus sends His disciples out in Matthew 10:11-13 (AMP) “Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy , and stay at his house until you leave . 12 As you go into the house, give it your greeting . 13 If the house is worthy , give it your peace . But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace”. As we are blessed, we are meant to pass them on. Every blessing we have received from God, whether material or spiritual, is to be used for the benefit of others.

I conclude with Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’