8 So Abram said to Lot, … 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.’ Genesis 13
We saw in Isaiah 30 yesterday, one use of the phrase, ‘Left or Right’, concerning Guidance for God’s children. We also said that this phrase is used from Genesis right through to Revelation.
Abram was the senior man and God’s anointed, but he still gave his nephew, Lot, first choice over which land he wanted for himself. This was a significant moment when the two relatives separated and God made a further promise to Abram after their parting.
14 The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, ‘Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring for ever.
Abram humbled himself and gave Lot first choice in the interest of peace and harmony. Only when they’d parted was the fullness of God’s promise to Abram revealed. Whenever we humble ourselves it allows God to step in and give us what He has for us.
Further along in Genesis we read the account of Jacob’s blessing on the children of Joseph, then ruler of Egypt.
16 the Angel who has delivered me from all harm
—may he bless these boys.
MAY THEY BE CALLED BY MY NAME
AND THE NAMES OF MY FATHERS ABRAHAM AND ISAAC,
Joseph’s sons were adopted into the house of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so that they would be included within God’s Covenant. Though both were included in the Covenantal blessing, Jacob then did an interesting thing when he blessed the two boys;
14 But Israel reached out HIS RIGHT HAND and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put HIS LEFT HAND on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn. Genesis 48
Firstly there are NO ACCIDENTS in the Kingdom of God, we are all CHOSEN BY GOD AS OUR FATHER. We also have special callings and destinies for our lives and in this case Ephraim, the younger son received the right hand, more powerful blessing. Jacob, by the anointing of the Spirit crossed his arms and positioned Ephraim ahead of his older brother. God is Sovereign and His Choice overrides human traditions. He knows the unique destiny He has planned for each of us and WE SHOULD BE OPEN TO ALL HE HAS FOR US, though it may appear out of reach.
God bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.