VBPH Sermon Podcast
Crossed Hands of the Greater Blessing
Published: 10 February 2025 at 17:01 UTC
Listen on
Episode notes
In Genesis 48, we encounter a profound moment where Jacob, nearing the end of his life, blesses Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. This story is rich with symbolism and spiritual insight, revealing God's unexpected ways and the transition from the old covenant to the new. Joseph, who had endured immense suffering and emerged as a leader in Egypt, brings his sons to Jacob for a blessing. Traditionally, the firstborn, Manasseh, would receive the primary blessing. However, Jacob crosses his hands, placing the greater blessing on Ephraim, the younger son. This act signifies God's sovereignty and His tendency to subvert human expectations.The names of Joseph's sons carry deep meaning. Manasseh means "causing to forget," symbolizing the old covenant and the law, which helps us move past the pain of our past. Ephraim means "fruitfulness," representing the new covenant in Christ, which brings abundant life and spiritual fruitfulness. The old covenant, with its laws and sacrifices, was necessary but incomplete. It pointed to the need for a greater, more perfect covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.Through the cross, Jesus accomplished what the law could not. He became the ultimate sacrifice, offering us grace and the opportunity to live a life of fruitfulness in Him. Just as Jacob's crossed hands signified a new order, the cross of Christ signifies the transition from law to grace. This story reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours, and He often chooses the unexpected to fulfill His purposes. We are called to embrace the new covenant, living not by the letter of the law but by the Spirit, bearing the fruit of a transformed life in Christ.- [00:00] - Welcome- [01:52] - Destiny and Transformation- [03:20] - Jacob's Blessing- [04:54] - The Significance of Names- [07:17] - Living in the Greater Blessing- [08:39] - Manasseh and Ephraim- [10:57] - The Role of the Law- [13:46] - The Old Covenant- [14:27] - Transition to the New Covenant- [17:22] - Fruitfulness in Christ- [18:23] - Relationship Over Rules- [20:04] - The Fruit of the Spirit- [25:10] - God's Unexpected Ways- [31:05] - The Cross and New Covenant- [39:00] - Invitation to New LifeShow NotesDid you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation: https://give.vbph.churchKeep up with all the latest events happening at VBPH: https://vbph.org/eventsSubscribe to text updates by sending the keyword "ALERTS" to 757-785-9881Follow our YouTube channel for all the latest video content: https://www.youtube.com/PottersHouseVBSubscribe to our VBPH Sermon Podcast to never miss a message: https://podfollow.com/vbph-sermon-podcastWant to read through the Bible with us this year? Join our YouVersion Bible Reading Plan here: https://bit.ly/VBPH-BiblePlan-2025Let us know if this message has influenced you by connecting with us: https://vbph.churchAre you in Hampton Roads and want to visit our church? Come join us IRL: 1045 Lynnhaven Pkwy., Virginia Beach, VA 23452Let us know you're coming: https://form.church/vgSQszyXdkGlOgqDFnG6Looking for more fellowship sermons? Check out TAKING THE LAND - CFM Sermon Podcast: https://takingthelandpodcast.com
