Read Genesis 48 – The gift of time is such a precious gift.
Not long after the oath in Chapter 47, Joseph received word that his father was failing. He brought his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, with him to visit, and Jacob sat up, gathering his strength for the visit :1-2. The first thing Jacob does is repeat God’s words, exactly as they were spoken to him, and exactly as they were spoken over Isaac and Abraham.
Then Jacob claims Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, stating that any sons of Joseph born after them would be Joseph’s, but that Ephraim and Manasseh will receive blessing and inheritance from Jacob. I couldn’t find an explanation for this, there are a few theories, but I am comfortable saving this for story time in heaven. Beloved, what do you think?
A curious thing happens when Jacob is about to bless the boys (Though they were more like young men at this point). He crosses his arms as he reaches for them, so that the blessing of his right hand went to Ephraim and not Manasseh. Joseph was displeased and tried to correct the situation as Manasseh was first born, but Jacob assured him this was correct. Both boys were blessed, but Ephraim would be even greater than his older brother.
Jacob is elderly, weak, and has poor vision, but his heart and mind are certain. And he has the gift of time… time to pass blessings along and get his affairs in order. What a wonderful gift that is. Beloved, if you were in Jacob’s shoes, what would you like your loved ones to know? Why wait?
Judy in the Sky 