Overall: Jacob shows great care to recognize all of his sons before his death, but also to declare, even prophesy, what their futures will be, given their actions.
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49:1-2. As a parent, pray for your children and encourage them of the great future ahead of them, if they are obedient to God. Also be careful to warn them of what the future will be if they are disobedient.
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Learning to hear the Spirit and asking for prophecies about your children is a valuable thing to pursue.
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48:11-19
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Just as God had prophesied that Jacob, the younger, would be greater than Esau, Jacob now prophesies that Ephraim, also the younger, would be greater than his older brother, Manasseh.
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Verses 17-19. Although Jacob choosing to place his right hand, and thus greater blessing, on the younger son was countercultural, he knew what he was doing. Joseph was at first displeased with this act.
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Do not be displeased with what God does. He is in control in all His creation. Remember that even though things happen in this world that we do not understand nor expect, He knows what He's doing. Trust Him!
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49:3-4
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Even though Reuben was the firstborn, his sin caused him not to excel.
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Even if you were born into the best circumstances or the best privileges, like Reuben was as the firstborn, it will mean nothing if you yield to sinful cravings. Remember that obedience to God is a far more powerful force for good than any worldly privilege or advantage.
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49:5-7
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People will not want to associate with you if you are angry or given to sudden impulse (Proverbs 22:24). Anger is cruelty.
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Remember that you will be cruel in your thoughts and actions if you hold on to anger. Learn to let go of anger if you want your actions to be godly. “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).
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