Genesis 48:1-22 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective

In Genesis 48, we see the sovereignty of God at work through the act of blessing, where Jacob deliberately chooses to bless Ephraim over Manasseh, demonstrating that God's purposes transcend human expectations and traditions. This passage underscores the importance of covenant theology, wherein God's promises extend through generations, affirming that His chosen people are recipients of His grace irrespective of their status or merit.

INTERPRETIVE NOTES: Exegetically, this passage highlights Jacob's intentionality in blessing Ephraim, which serves as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. The Hebrew word for 'blessing' (בָּרַךְ, barak) denotes not only a verbal benediction but also an impartation of divine favor, illustrating that blessings are rooted in God's sovereign will rather than mere human preference.

PREACHING ANGLES: The subversion of human expectations: How God often chooses the least likely among us, The importance of passing on faith through generations, Living as recipients of God's grace and sharing that grace with others, The assurance that God's blessings are not limited by our understanding or expectations

SHOW DON'T TELL:\n Before: God chooses who He will bless based on His wisdom.

After: Imagine a father at a family gathering, lingering over his grandchildren, choosing to lift up the quietest, often overlooked one for a special blessing, revealing that in his eyes, every life matters and carries divine potential.

IMAGERY ELEMENTS: A family tree illustrating the generational passing of blessings, Hands laying on heads to symbolize impartation of blessings, A river flowing, representing God's grace that extends beyond borders and expectations, A tapestry showing how different threads (lives) are woven together in God's sovereign design

CAUTIONS: Avoid presenting God's sovereignty in a way that negates human responsibility or effort, Be cautious not to oversimplify the complexities of election and grace as merely a 'favoritism' of God, Ensure that the application does not lean into moralism but instead emphasizes reliance on God's grace