Human Response 99: Pass on the Blessing

Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

In response to God’s redemption, protection and blessing Jacob blesses the two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. He calls upon the Angel to bless them. The Angel had led Jacob, been with him, blessed him, and redeemed him from evil; and now he passes on that Angel to his grandchildren. This is the Angel of the Lord, who is the Second Person of the Trinity. As this Presence of the Lord has been with Jacob He will now be with succeeding generations, until the Promised Seed is born.

He prays that his name (Israel) will be on the boys and their offspring, as well as the name of Abraham and Isaac. In passing on the Patriarchs’ name he is passing on the Covenant Promise God made: the promise of a Kingdom, Seed, and Blessing to all people. The name, promise, and blessing is finally wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ. The children of Israel become Jesus who gathers the NT Church. In the believers in Christ the Name, the Presence and the Blessing continues, and endures for eternity.

Today, our response to Redemption is to pass on the Blessing to future generations through praying, loving, teaching, and supporting the work of the church. We pray for the growth of the church on earth. We make disciples of all nations, and we are his witnesses unto the ends of the earth. Through us the Lord blesses the present and following generations.