Do not despise your father

Genesis 49

Just as Abraham gave the baton to Isaac and Isaac gave it to Jacob, Jacob transferred the blessings to all his children to become the nation of Israel. He died and ordered them to bury him with his fathers in the land purchased by his grandfather Abraham.

What can we learn?

#1. It takes the father to bless the children. (Genesis 49:1-28)

The first important lesson we learn here is that Jacob called all his 12 children and blessed them. He told them what will happen based on their past deeds and what God has purposed for them. As the spiritual head, he could speak into their lives and bless them. We notice that each child had his unique blessing from the father. Fathers are important in children’s lives. What they say has implications on their children. Remember that Noah blessed and cursed his two sons, Shem and Harm for their deeds towards him when he was naked after taking wine. Let’s not despise the place of the father to be used by God to bestow blessings in us.

#2. It takes the children to honour their father. (Genesis 49:29-33)

The next important lesson is that it takes the children to hear the instructions of the father and honour it. Jacob instructed his children about the need to bury him where his descendants lay starting from Abraham, who purchased the land, to Isaac. The father who blesses must be honoured by the children. We must take care of them well. We must fulfill their heart’s desires. 

God had promised that He will make Israel a great nation. Jacob released them to grow and fulfill the will of God.

Take Action: Ask for God’s grace to honour your parents.