May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh. In this way Israel made Ephraim greater than Manasseh.

Genesis 48:20

Joseph brought his two sons—the firstborn Manasseh and the younger son Ephraim—to his ill father Jacob, who was also known as Israel.

Jacob was very old, and though his eyes were dim, when he saw Joseph and his two sons, he found new strength and sat up in bed. Jacob had not seen Joseph for many years, nor had he witnessed the birth of Joseph’s sons, who were born in Egypt. His heart was overjoyed to see Joseph’s family. Out of that joy, Jacob took Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. In other words, these grandsons were adopted into Jacob’s family as if they were his own children.

These two sons were counted among the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob proudly declared, “They are mine,” while reminding Joseph that any other children born to him would belong to Joseph alone. Then Jacob invited Joseph to bring his sons forward so that he could bless them before his death.

Joseph bowed before his father and carefully positioned his sons. He took Ephraim in his right hand and placed him toward Jacob’s left hand, and he took Manasseh in his left hand and placed him before Jacob’s right hand. Joseph arranged them this way so that Jacob’s right hand—the hand of greater blessing—would naturally rest upon the firstborn, Manasseh.

But Jacob had a different plan. He crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh. He then pronounced his blessing on Ephraim recorded in Genesis 48:15. Joseph was troubled by this sight and tried to correct his father, urging him to bless the firstborn properly. But Jacob refused and replied that he knew exactly what he was doing. However he blessed Manasseh also, but gave Ephraim the greater blessing, declaring that the younger brother would surpass the older.

Joseph the earthly father himself was not pleased to see his younger son receive the blessing of the firstborn, but it delighted the heavenly Father to make the younger greater than the older.

Yahweh highly favored Ephraim and crossed over the order of the firstborn to make him great. And in later days, even when Ephraim’s descendants were unfaithful, God’s love crossed over in mercy, crying out in Hosea 11:8, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim?”

This story shows us how God’s grace goes beyond what we deserve. “He has mercy on whomever He wills.” (Romans 9:18)

The Word of God reminds us that His grace is not limited. He can lift you from the pit and place you on the mountaintop. He can choose the smallest clan and make it into a great nation.

The eyes that once saw you as the least—God will cross over to make you great. The blessing on your life is not by luck or chance, but by the intentional hand of God. He is fully aware of the work He is doing in your life. You are on God’s mind, and His blueprint carries both you and your family.

The Lord’s hand will cross over every obstacle, every hindrance, to bless the least, the oppressed, the ignored, and the rejected.

Like Joseph, even if others try to push you aside or deny you your blessing, the Lord’s right hand will rest on you.

Ephraim received grace when his earthly father’s hands were crossed. And through the cross of Jesus Christ, our heavenly Father has given us even greater grace.

Receive King Jesus into your heart, and you too will receive grace and abundance for your life.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that Your hand crosses over to bless me, even when others try to set me aside. Thank You that Your favor is intentional, and Your grace is greater than my qualifications, my past, or my place in life. Place Your right hand upon me and my family, and let Your blessing flow through every area of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.