THE FATHER’S BLESSING – APOST. WILLIAMS MOMODU
THE FATHER’S BLESSING.
The profound act of a father’s blessing is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, carrying immense spiritual weight and shaping destinies. Genesis 49:22-28, in Jacob’s blessings upon his sons, offers a powerful framework for understanding how fathers can impart blessings upon their children. Beyond this specific passage, numerous other biblical examples illuminate the multifaceted nature of paternal blessings.
The Power of a Father’s Blessing: Insights from Genesis 49:22-28 and Beyond.
Jacob’s final words to his sons in Genesis 49 are not merely fond farewells but prophetic declarations that outline their future, their character, and their inheritance. While the passage primarily focuses on Joseph, the principles of blessing can be extrapolated to all his sons and, by extension, to all fathers and children. Here are four key ways fathers can bless their children, drawing from Genesis 49:22-28 and supported by other biblical narratives:
1. Blessing through Identification with God’s Covenant and Promises (Genesis 49:24):
Jacob blesses Joseph, referring to “the Mighty One of Jacob, from there the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel.” This connects Joseph directly to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – the God of the covenant. A father’s blessing should, first and foremost, point their children to God and His promises. It affirms their place within God’s redemptive plan and reminds them of His faithfulness.
Biblical Examples:
Abraham blessing Isaac (Genesis 24:1): While not explicitly detailed, Abraham’s life was centered on God’s covenant, and his legacy to Isaac was fundamentally tied to these divine promises. Isaac inherited the covenant blessings passed down through his father.
Moses blessing the tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 33): Before his death, Moses blessed each of the tribes, invoking God’s power and promises over them, reminding them of their identity as God’s chosen people.
David’s charge to Solomon (1 Kings 2:1-4): David blesses Solomon by reminding him to “keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies.” This is a clear call to live in accordance with God’s covenant.
2. Blessing through Affirmation of Character and Potential (Genesis 49:22-23):
Jacob describes Joseph as a “fruitful bough” whose branches run over the wall, despite being attacked by archers. This speaks to Joseph’s resilience, his ability to thrive even in adversity, and his overflowing abundance. Fathers can bless their children by acknowledging their unique strengths, affirming their character, and speaking to their God-given potential.
Biblical Examples:
Isaac blessing Jacob (Genesis 27:28-29): Though obtained deceptively, Isaac’s blessing on Jacob (“May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.”) spoke to his future prosperity and leadership. This highlights the power of spoken affirmation, even when circumstances are flawed.
Jesus blessing the children (Mark 10:13-16): Jesus took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. This act affirmed their inherent worth and belonging in the Kingdom of God, speaking to their potential as receivers of God’s grace.
Paul’s prayers for believers (Ephesians 1:16-19, Philippians 1:9-11): While not a father in the biological sense, Paul’s apostolic prayers for his spiritual children often affirmed their spiritual gifts, their love, and their potential to grow in knowledge and discernment.
3. Blessing through Impartation of Resources and Prosperity (Genesis 49:25-26):
Jacob blesses Joseph with blessings “of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.” He further adds, “The blessings of your father are mighty beyond the blessings of my parents, up to the bounds of the everlasting hills.” This speaks to a holistic blessing of abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Fathers can bless their children by working to provide for them, equipping them with the resources they need to flourish, and praying for their material well-being.
Biblical Examples:
Noah blessing Shem and Japheth (Genesis 9:26-27): Noah blessed Shem, saying, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem,” and promised Japheth expansion. This blessing included future dominion and prosperity.
God’s blessing on Job (Job 42:12-17): After his trials, God blessed Job with double the prosperity he had before, including many children. This illustrates God’s desire to bless His children with abundance. Fathers, as reflections of God’s character, can similarly desire and work for their children’s flourishing.
The Law’s promises of blessing for obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-14): This passage outlines numerous blessings, including prosperity in land, crops, livestock, and family, that would come upon Israel if they obeyed God. While these are divine promises, fathers have a role in teaching their children obedience, which can lead to blessings.
4. Blessing through Prophetic Guidance and Direction (Genesis 49:27):
While less detailed for Joseph in this specific verse, Jacob’s pronouncements for other sons like Benjamin (“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, and at evening divides the spoil”) or Judah (“Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up”) offer insights into their future roles, characteristics, and even geographical settlements. Fathers can bless their children by offering wisdom, guidance, and even prophetic insights into their future paths, helping them discern God’s calling for their lives.
Biblical Examples:
Samuel anointing David (1 Samuel 16:12-13): While not a biological father, Samuel acted as a spiritual father figure in anointing David as king, giving him prophetic direction for his future.
Eli’s blessing to Hannah (1 Samuel 1:17): Eli, the priest, blessed Hannah, saying, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” This was a prophetic word that came to pass with the birth of Samuel.
The blessings of the patriarchs to their descendants (e.g., Abraham to Isaac, Isaac to Jacob and Esau, Jacob to his sons): These blessings often contained prophetic elements about the future of their offspring, their tribes, and their place in God’s plan. They provided a sense of destiny and direction.
In conclusion, a father’s blessing is a powerful legacy, more valuable than any material inheritance. Drawing from Genesis 49 and numerous other biblical examples, fathers are called to bless their children by connecting them to God’s covenant, affirming their unique character and potential, imparting resources and praying for their prosperity, and offering prophetic guidance and direction. These blessings, rooted in faith and spoken with love, can truly shape the lives and destinies of the next generation.
