Genesis 47:28-48:22
“A Father’s Heritage”

Introduction
1. The famine is over. Jacob is 147 with Joseph around 56 years of age.
2. Fathers…God has given you a great responsibility. One day we will die. What are you leaving your children?
3. What should we leave our children?
4. In Genesis 47:28-48 Jacob is about to die. This great man of faith reminds each father
what he should leave his children.

What should we leave our children?
I. THE PROMISES OF GOD 47:28-31
Jacob never lost sight of the promise of God. Jacob is near the end of his life of 147
eventful years. Jacob had Joseph put his hand under his thigh and swear he would bury
him in the cave purchased by Abraham. Jacob never lost sight of the promise of God. He
knew the fulfillment of the promise was to be in Canaan not Egypt.
The oath shows he means business. Abraham did this as the servant sought a wife for
Isaac (24:2, 9) Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head. Many believe this was an act of
worship and thanksgiving.
A. We have a promise that this isn’t all there is:
(John 14:1-6) quote (II Cor. 4:7-5:10)
B. We should have priorities:
1. Egypt isn’t where it’s at...live like it!
2. Live for the eternal not the here and now!
3. Don’t clutch what you can see too tightly!
(II Cor. 5:9,10) Wherefore, we labor (we take aim) that whether present or
absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the
judgement seat of Christ that everyone may receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
C. We should have pursuits:
(I John 2:15-17) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the
Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away and the lust of it; but he that
does the will of God abides forever.
1. What is my goal or what are my goals?
2. What is important to God?
This isn’t all there is...never lose sight of it!!!

What should we leave our children?
II. THE POSSIBILITIES OF GOD 48:1-7
It’s all of grace. Jacob developed confidence for the future from past blessings. A bit
later Joseph with Ephraim and Manasseh visit Jacob.
A. For the Word of God 1-4
1. At Luz (Bethel) where twice he met God. This was no whim of some old man,
but Jacob’s highest act of faith.
2. (Hebrews 11:21) By faith (in response to divine revelation) Jacob, when he was
dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshipped leaning on top of his
staff.
3. The Word of God kept him going and ‘He Worshiped Him.’
B. For the Way of God 5-7
It’s all of grace. “The boys are mine.”
1.Was his sign of claiming them as his own. He adopted Ephraim and Manasseh, making them on par with Reuben and Simeon.
2.They would have a part in the Promise Land when the land was divided. This was in memory of Rachel, but God used it!
3.God’s way: It’s all of grace! It’s not law, legalism, nor heritage. The promises of God are mine by grace!

What should we leave our children?
III. THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD 48:8-22
God is in control, and is working His plan for His purpose. The rest of the chapter of
Jacob’s choice in blessing Joseph’s younger son. Manasseh was the first born. Jacob is
nearly blind (11) God hath shown me thy seed:
A.In spite of God’s revelation, we often want to help God out (12-14)
1.We don’t always know what is right or best.
2.We often ‘try’ to help God do it ‘right’ (to us). To ‘help’ the old, blind man Joseph put’s Manasseh on the right and Ephraim on the left. He laid his hand where he wanted and thought was right.
3.We just need to be available. “God have me.” We need to be clay in the Potter’s hand.
B.Get to know God. (15,16)
1. His Perspective (Before him) The God of Abraham, Isaac did walk.
2. His Provision God who fed. God who shepherded.
3. His Purchase God…The angel of the Lord was the preincarnate Christ…who redeemed me. This is the Source of Blessing!
C. God’s ways are not man’s ways. (14, 17-20)
1. Jacob crossed his hands (17) It displeased Joseph…not so! (18) I know my
son…I know. Ephraim was to be the greater.
2. Learn to appreciate the God of crossed hands. (I Cor 1:26-28) For you
see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not
many mighty, not many noble, are called; But God hath chosen the foolish
things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weal
things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things
of the world, hath God chosen, yea and things which are not, to bring to
nothing things that are. That no flesh should glory in his presence. The way
up is down.
D.God does what He wills with His own.
1.God doesn’t merely crown what nature has successfully begun.
2.The beggarly, foolish, and base are His
E. God, who is in control is leading to an ultimate conclusion 21,22
1. The future is bright!
2. God is still on the throne!

God has a plan, and I am a part of it!!