22 ‘Joseph is a fruitful vine, (Fruitful, like Jacob)
Joseph received a powerful blessing, just like Judah, the ruler among his brothers.
24 But his bow remained steady,
his strong arms stayed supple,
because of the hand of the Mighty One OF JACOB,
because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
25 because of YOUR FATHER’S GOD, who helps you,
because of the Almighty, who blesses you
with blessings of the skies above,
It’s interesting that Joseph’s Blessing was closely tied to his father Jacob; he had been Jacob’s favourite son.
26 Your father’s blessings are greater
than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
than the bounty of the age-old hills.
Let all these rest on the head of Joseph,
on the brow of the prince among (Or of the one SEPARATED FROM) his brothers.
Joseph had been Separated from his entire family for many years, yet he’d stayed true to his and his father’s God from a young age. There are no ‘black marks’ recorded against Joseph, hence he’s regarded as a Type of Christ.
33 When Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
50 Joseph threw himself on his father and wept over him and kissed him. Genesis 49:33 & 50:1
I’m sure all the family wept at the death of their father but the one whom the Bible records is Joseph – it seems that strong bond between Jacob and his second youngest never weakened. If Jacob’s relationship with Joseph held firm to the end, HOW MUCH MORE CAN WE BE SURE OF THE LORD’S LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS TOWARDS US TODAY!
23 YET I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU;
YOU HOLD ME BY MY RIGHT HAND. (NOT DISTANT, NEAR US)
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE.’ Matthew 28
Jesus last words, ‘I am with you always, to the very end’, Amen. Trust Him and don’t be overcome by your circumstances.
Immanuel, Stay Strong, God is with us.