Monday, March 29, 2010

Criss-crossed

[From March 23, 2010]

 "Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right, and brought them near him.  But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn."
(Genesis 48:13-14)

Rules are rules.  Tradition is tradition.  And yet, they don't always work out the way they should.  Jacob was the 2nd-born of twins, yet he tricked and scammed his way into receiving the blessing reserved for the first-born.  Now, as he faces the end of his years, his favorite son, Joseph, presents his sons to be blessed: Ephraim & Manasseh.  And even though Joseph puts the eldest next to Jacob's right hand, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands and give the "right hand blessing" to the younger!

Did Jacob receive "spiritual knowledge" that Ephraim was "more blessed" by God?  Maybe.  Then again, it could be that Jacob simply had a soft spot in his heart for "younger brothers."  The great thing about this blessing, however, was that the older brother also got a "good" blessing (whereas all that Jacob's own older brother, Esau, got was 'the shaft!').  So at least, Jacob was a bit more sensitive than his father!  Nevertheless, how interesting to see how Jacob's history played a role in his grandkids' future!

Which, of course, got me thinking... what parts of my past will have a significant role in my children and/or grandchildren's future?  Will it be my experiences of pain and struggle... or moments of blessing?  God only knows... but I hope to at least be aware when it's happening.

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