As we finish reading Genesis 49:16-28, Jacob continues to address his sons. He eventually gets to Joseph in verses 22-26, and what Jacob has to say is quite descriptive and really reinforces all that we've seen of Joseph so far. Plus, the wording Jacob uses gives us another way to look at and consider Joseph. "'Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall'" (Gen. 49:22).
So what did Genesis 49:22-26 show you about Joseph? How can we be more like Joseph, a fruitful bough (branch), when it comes to living for the Lord? Tami W.
Fruitful Branch
God has had a plan for our life before we were born. If we are to be fruitful we must have fellowship with God. We should follow His laws and seek Him. When troubles come we should thank Him for His mercy and grace and protection (and keep our eyes focused on what He wants us to learn). In times of plenty we should be generous with others. We should strive to love others as Christ loves us. ( It helps to remember that all are created by God) We are not to judge who will be saved and who will not-that is for God. We don't know who God will place in our lives. Someone we consider not a Christian may indeed become a sister or brother in Christ. To become a 'fruitful bough' we must be willing to live in the World and yet not be of the world. I can only begin to do this through Christ who strengthens me.
Joseph was blessed with an abundance from God because he lived in total comprehension of Gods word. He always did what was right in Gods eyes, he was a wise, humble, and selfless. He was aware from and early age that he was chosen for great things. We too can be more like him if we allow the spirit to lead us and not the flesh.
Joseph's obedience to God led to fruitful service. If we're to be fruitful for Him, we must also be obedient.
As the hymn says, "Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey."