The Crossed Hands

"And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left… But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn." Genesis 48:13-14

For Joseph, Jacob was wrong for crossing his hands and blessing Ephraim above Manasseh. Manasseh was the eldest and deserved the blessing. But Jacob knew that the deserving, to God's way of thinking, was not the one to be blessed. This would go to Ephraim, whose name was about the future. God prefers to eradicate our past so He can bless our future. This is where God chooses to have His blessings rest. This is because with the Lord:

THE PAST HAS PASSED…

"Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, 'It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household." Genesis 41:51

Because of God, Joseph was released from prison and was promoted to #2 in Egypt. He was also a new father and named his firstborn something very meaningful - 'Manasseh', (to forget my trouble). Who of us has not had troubles in our past? The answer - no-one. So to be able to forget the past hardships and pain is quite a blessing. This is what led Joseph to have emotional and spiritual health. By forgetting his past, he avoided being a bitter man.

…THE FUTURE IS IT…

"The second son he named Ephraim and said, 'It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering." Genesis 41:52

Joseph named his second son Ephraim (fruitful in the land). What a beautiful mindset. Because of God, he knew the past was over and his future was bright. We need this kind of perspective if we are to be happy and productive. But if we continue to drag around the past, clutching it because we feel we're 'owed' something or we need to 'get even', it will be difficult to grasp any good.

MAKE US LIKE THEM

"He blessed them that day and said, 'In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.' So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh." Genesis 48:20

May this blessing be pronounced on us. I pray God helps us forget our past hurts as we choose to forgive, and that He makes us fruitful, as we are faithful to Him.