Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 48:1-7.
“Now it came about after these things that Joseph was told, “Behold, your father is sick.” So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim with him. When it was told to Jacob, “Behold, your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel collected his strength and sat up in the bed. Then Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and He said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and numerous, and I will make you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your descendants after you for an everlasting possession.’ Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. But your offspring that have been born after them shall be yours; they shall be called by the names of their brothers in their inheritance. Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” Genesis 48:1-7.
————————-
What did Joseph mean when he said to Joseph: “Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are.”?
Did he mean that they had to leave Joseph and be directly under Jacob’s control as some kind of son/servant?
Or, did he mean that they would be his beneficiaries like Reuben and Simeon and the rest of his sons were?
I think it is the latter meaning. Jacob was choosing to make Ephraim and Manasseh his beneficiaries like Reuben and Simeon and the rest of his sons were. It is somewhat similar today under the laws of inheritance, (intestate succession). Unless there is a Last Will and Testament or other legally enforceable choice of distribution, only the children are beneficiaries, not the grandchildren where their parent is still alive to receive the share of inheritance as Joseph was still alive.
Moreover, we see the express use of term “inheritance” by Jacob to clarify his intent when he said to Joseph: “But your offspring that have been born after them shall be yours; they shall be called by the names of their brothers in their inheritance.” In other words, Jacob was telling Joseph that his other children would be covered only by the inheritance that Joseph would leave them, and not through by any inheritance that they would directly receive from Jacob.
Finally, we later read: “Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright.” 1 Chronicles 5:1. In other words, Ephraim and Manasseh would receive (split) Reuben’s share.
In any event, today’s Scripture leads us to meditate, even cherish, our inheritance.
Consider the following. First, we were not even grandchildren. Second, outside the family, we were not even part of the same nation. So to speak, we were foreigners. Third, we were not even an ally of the Jews, we were their enemies: “remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:12.
But, God adopted us!
“… In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:4-6.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 