I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Genesis 48. “When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. Joseph said to him, ‘No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.’ But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.’ He blessed them that day and said, ‘In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh” (Verses 17-20). This happens a lot (in the old testament) the older serving the younger. I often wondered why. (FYI, this is opinion) I have this thought that this is God’s way of turning how “we” think it should be on its head. Letting us know from the get go that our ways are not His, our thoughts, are not His. Our plans, are not His. In society the older leads the way, in God’s economy the lest is greatest. He is saying don’t label, don’t assume. Just allow Him to do what He is doing. I also want to point out that Ephraim’s blessing was gained the right way, there was no deception, no lying, no setting one brother against the other. What was the outcome? BOTH were blessed. BOTH would become people others ascribed to be like. When God is allowed to do it His way, everyone is BLESSED. Today let us stop trying to help God, He’s got this.