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

This was the final act of Jacob before he left this world and entered paradise.

Boys and girls, learn from these words:

I. GOD’S BLESSING IS SOMETHING WE ALL NEED

The two sons of Joseph were in truth ‘princes’ in Egypt for their father was next unto Pharaoh, Genesis 41:41-44. They had all that this world could offer but their grandfather knew they needed still more - GOD’S BLESSING! “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it,” Proverbs 10:22. It is the only form of ‘riches’ that will bring no sorrow or grief with it! “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection,” Luke 8:14.

Do you have the rich possession of God’s blessing through Christ, girls and boys? 

II. NOTE WHEN IT WAS JACOB BLESSED HIS GRANDSONS

“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph . . .” 

As death approached Jacob, was all the more concerned about the spiritual and eternal wellbeing of the boys. “And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which redeemed me from all 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,” Genesis 48:15-16. 

(1). He commends them to the care of the God his Saviour. He was the ‘Angel’. 

(2). He was confident of the care the Lord could give. ‘Fed me all my life long unto this day, . . . redeemed me from all evil.’

(3). He would have them known to God by his forefathers’ names. That which the Lord bestowed upon Abraham and Isaac and himself, Jacob would have for his grandsons.

III. JACOB WAS A PILGRIM ‘BOUND FOR GLORY’ RIGHT TO THE END

“Worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” It would appear that Jacob died with his pilgrim’s staff in his hand. Boys and girls, how important NEVER to forget that we are not in this world forever. We are just passing through on our way to eternity! It is while we are on this journey that we MUST make a decision as to where we will be in eternity. Be sure you make the right choice!

Joshua — “Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,”Joshua 24:15.

Ruth — “And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God,” Ruth 1:16.

Elijah — “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word,” 1 Kings 18:21.

Choose Christ today, girls and boys.