In Genesis 48:19 we learn that Ephraim's descendants shall become a multitude of nations, Then in 48...
In Genesis 48:19 we learn that Ephraim's descendants shall become a multitude of nations, Then in 48:20, we hear the command that Israel bless by saying "May G-d make you as Ephraim and Manasseh". It crossed my mind that this may be another place where we see a command and calling for Israel to reach out beyond their own nation to bless the nations. It's also nice to see a command and blessing as one so clearly, especially in a generational sense as it teaches us so clearly that G-d's commands bless continuously and abundantly, even across lifetimes. Its just neat to see commands and blessings are the same things in that sense. I know Israel blessing the nations is in the Bible, but beyond the call to Abraham, it hadn't yet struck me in as direct of a manner as seeing this command of blessing. This felt pretty direct to me so it sticks out in my mind. One insight I gained is to guard against thinking that what is being spoken as prophecy is anything more than prophecy. I think I was subconsciously reading into the passage in which Jacob prophecies to his sons as something more personal to Jacob than it is. Jacob says in 49:1 that he is just telling them what will befall them. There are some explanations provided such as with Reuben in 49:4 or descriptions that reveal character strengths and limitations that we can see in several place throughout. I think that's why I projected a more personal tone onto it, but based on what he said in 49:1, it's all just truth. I used to read it as more commentary and explanation, but I really think this is just an example of pure truth without any personal agendas or implications on Jacob's part. I think He was just speaking G-d's word, and I finally think I see I need to take any preconceived notions based on anything human out of it. This isn't Jacob rewarding or punishing his sons, it's Jacob prophesying G-d's truth to them. It so much more confrontational and yet very just when I see it that way. It feels like I just see a clearer picture of G-d's character and nature through it. That recognition of Him more clearly in it is why I feel confident saying this. This passage now has an entirely different tone to me, and I think it gives me a better understanding of what prophecy is. At it's heart, it really is just truth. There's no questioning it or doubting it because its so objective it's pure, and I can't even wrap my mind around how really pure it is. It's like it's no longer just what G-d says, it's who we are and how well He knows us. Anyway, I have a whole new regard for prophecy. G-d is going to pin all of us down one way or another to have to deal with truth, and He really is blameless in how He is doing it because it's ultimately just about how well He knows us. So He know everything about us, and we know next to nothing about Him. It's so interesting for me to think of how I "learn" about G-d. Maybe this is how everyone experiences it, or maybe it's different how he reaches us individually depending on us as individuals, but I never really learn more about HIm. I really always just seem to learn how much I didn't or don't know about Him. Then, from there, I still somehow grow in understanding. I know I'm on the right track when I see something so pure and perfect about G-d, that it's beyond my understanding. There's nothing to do but submit to it. I know that's HIm, and it's a fearful but fleeting moment to see how I stand. I always simultaneously fear for those who don't know He is G-d. When I find that place, I know I'm moving in a good direction with my understanding. For that moment I get it and I know His heart for those who don't know Him is desperate in terms of a longing but completely in control and very serious. He's not cold but there is a serious quality to Him that I don't think we can really comprehend. It is something I personally don't really live aware of as much as I should because I do have Yeshua, and I know I can depend on HIm when I make mistakes. He will deal with them. There's a deciviness based on being all knowing we are dealing with about G-d that I don't think we really understand. It's fearful, and there's no argument on our part. We do not have a say or point of view, yet it's perfectly fair. I don't know it just makes me really fearful for those who don't know Who they are going to have to deal with. I know I don't know Him well either, but I understand I have no ground to stand on when He confronts me other than my submission to the truth and grace of Yeshua. Anyway, I am seeing that really pure and perfect aspect of Him in this passage I think, and that's why I have more confidence in what I've shared than I otherwise would. it really does feel like they were being confronted with truth in a way that is inescapable that they just had to accept and live with. He tells us what we will do, and even those in a state of rebellion will do it. Imagine that even rebellion won't cause some people to choose right even in an attempt just to spite G-d. It's almost like He has given them that choice at the same time He takes it away, and that's what I mean about pinning us down. That's how well He knows us. Before a word is formed in our mouth and before we think it, He knows it. (Psalm 139:4). Praise G-d that because of Yeshua we can actually be thankful for that because it's the exact opposite for those who don't have Him. Every time I ask HIm to forgive me, I have this need to say "but please help me". Like I'm worried forgiveness means He won't address a problem I have. Now, I have stopped saying that as much because I know there's an implied "help me" that I can depend on because He is serious. He forgives me, but He won't just let it go for my own good as well as those around me. This is the kind of gratitude I have found in studying Torah, and I'm just really grateful for what I have learned. I don't want HIm to just forgive me. I want Him to help me because I do take Him more seriously, and I see how much He loves and takes us seriously. There are still consequences to our sin, even though it's been forgiven. So I want forgiveness, but I also want help to do better. I have started making it a point to help my kids identify a spirit of rebelliousness because it is the most dangerous spiritual obstacle to over come. Since studying Torah, I can see it pretty clearly. If they don't learn to submit to G-d and let Him help them, there's just mess after mess they will struggle with. Yet, that rebellious trait by it's nature is really hard to address. Believing kids need to know its very human and in that way something we expect and can handle. That way they're not afraid or ashamed to the point they just deny it, or worse, get you back by refusing to deal with it. Meanwhile, they also need to recognize it immediately because it needs to be addressed immediately for them to see the root of all the problem. It gets way out of hand so fast, and the longer it goes, the more entrenched you get in your own foolishness. Then the harder it is to overcome or even understand how you got to the place you're in. I describe it to them when I see it as the part of them that just doesn't want to do something you're told because someone told you to do it. It's the part of us that will refuse good advice and counsel to the point of hurting our own selves rather than agreeing with someone helpful who is right. I tell them it's from evil and remind them of Pharaoh because that so obviously illustrates the choice they have and the foolishness of continuing in that direction. Then I say that as quick as they decide to cooperate with whatever or whoever the G-d'ly influence or voice is, that's how quick they get out of that situation. It really is about pride that is so ornery it's foolish, and it's very obvious if you can identify it on that level in that moment of struggle. Once they have a biblical reference point to help them see choices and consequences to think it through, they can choose well and cooperate without feeling like they lost somehow. Then, they can naturally learn it can feel good to humble yourself. It's how you do best in life, and most problems can so easily be stopped right there. It seems to help them, and I just pray it sticks with them so they stay with G-d and actively guard against that evil inclination. That's off the topic I know, but it has helped us so maybe it will be good for others. What I used to do, put them in a corner or make them do more work if they didn't do as told for example, just made the situation worse. This talking it through to help them think it through with mutual understanding and a compassion has worked. I think it is very easy to get pulled into the role of enemy in their minds without us realizing it, which is the last thing they need. They need to deal with the real enemy. You lose track of the real enemy almost immediately if you don't identify it immediately, and in that you can help them think about the power and consequences of their choices. Anyway, maybe someone else needs a new approach as I did. The meaning and implications of the blessings are a bit much for me at this point. I know there's a ton there to learn, and I need to look in to it a lot more. But as always, I'm open to other people's suggestions, insight and corrections for that matter. I don't have a congregation and am on my own with the exception of online resources. Please, if you see something that needs to be addressed, let me know because I may not hear it anywhere else.
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