• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"By faith Jacob... blessed each of the sons of Joseph..."

Text: Hebrews 11:21

A SHAKY START

Jacob’s personal journey of faith began on a very shaky start. He fled from his father’s house for fear of being killed by his brother Esau. In God’s mercy, and surely because of His covenantal promise to Abraham and Isaac, Jacob found faith (Cf. Genesis 28).

A FRUITFUL LIFE

Jacob went on to live a very fruitful life. He had obtained twelve sons and some daughters (Cf. Genesis 37:35). He had become a very wealthy man in his own rights (Cf. Genesis 28-35). The only blight was his grief that his most beloved son, Joseph had been killed by wild animals (Cf. Genesis 37:31-35).

CONCLUDING LIFE IN EGYPT

Beyond his wildest dreams, he could not have imagined that God could have preserved Joseph’s life and had “set (him) over all the land of Egypt” (Cf. Genesis 41:41). The last years of his life were spent in the presence of his greatly beloved son, Joseph and his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

EXERCISING FAITH TO THE VERY END

Jacob’s faith was obtained most painfully. He had to endure much anguish of heart and mind. But through all that hardship, he possessed a genuine and strong faith that stayed with him to the very end.

“By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons
of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff.”
Hebrews 11:21

1. By faith Jacob when he was dying

Jacob possessed faith to the very end! His dying moments did not see his faith diminish.

2. Blessed each of the sons of Joseph (Cf. Genesis 48)

a) Jacob regarded Joseph’s two sons as if they were his own (Cf. Genesis 48:5). They would be ranked together with all his other sons!

b) He gave a special word of blessing to Manasseh and Ephraim (Cf. Genesis 48:15-16).

3. And worshipped, leaning on his staff

a) To the very end Jacob worshipped God.

b) He mustered every ounce of strength to give worship in faith to his most gracious God.