Genesis 48:15-16, “And he blessed Joseph
and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the
God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, (16)
the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them
let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and
let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
Jacob is swiftly approaching the end of
his life and news of his deteriorating health is reported to Joseph. Joseph
quickly comes to his father’s side, bringing his own sons, Ephraim and
Manasseh. Jacob was filled with joy, for just a few years ago he thought he had
lost Joseph, and now he has not only seen Joseph again, but he has also seen
Joseph’s offspring. Jacob seeing his grandsons pronounces a blessing upon them
and in so doing makes them a part of his own family and therefore partakers in
the covenant and promises of God.
As we read through this blessing we
learn more about Jacob’s theology, his understanding of God. In fact this
passage marks the beginning of a theme that will continue throughout the rest
of Scripture and it one of great comfort to us as believers in Jesus Christ. Jacob
speaks of God as being his shepherd. Jacob has come to know of God’s tender
care, how God has led him, provided for him and protected him, how God has
sought after him when he strayed and brought him back. He sees the parallel
between the working, nature and character of God and himself as a shepherd. The
manner in which Jacob sought to take care of his own flocks, is the same manner
in which God cares from him, but to an even higher degree and in perfection.
This theme of God as the shepherd of His
people will continue throughout the Old Testament and reach its ultimate
fulfilment in Christ, the Good Shepherd.
John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his
life for the sheep.” As
believers in Jesus Christ we know the truth of Jacob’s words, for our
experience has been the same and will continue to be until we enter into God’s
kingdom.
We would do well to meditate more upon
this truth, God, Christ is our good shepherd! There is much comfort, hope,
peace, joy, rest and assurance to be found in this truth. What joy and peace
there is to know that we have a loving God and Saviour who daily provides for
us, right down to the simple needs of food and water, He protects us moment by
moment, and He goes before us as we walk on into an unknown future. When we stray
away and fall into danger, He firmly, but graciously, draws us back, binds up
our wounds and restores us to the flock. He is the shepherd that never rests,
nor tires, He is ever at hand, ever at work. The God of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob is our God and is our Shepherd!
Our Great Shepherd, our merciful God we give thanks today that we have
know the truth and the depths of Your tender care and love for us. How we thank
You that You in Your grace drew us into Your fold and flock, that You rescued
us from the clutches of death and have given us new life. Thank You that we are
now forever under Your shepherding care, never to leave your flock, eternally
secure in the palm of Your hand. Help us to take this all in, to understand it
and rejoice in it, all for the greater glory of Your name. Amen.
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