Prepare your heart for the Sermon by looking through these suggestions that will assist you in making the most of our time together hearing God's Word.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.

Carefully Think

• Read Genesis 48 What are the "these things” from verse one referring back to in the previous chapter?
• What were the components of God’s blessing to Jacob?
• Why might it matter the placement of a right and left hand on specific sons? What does Israel do with his hands that is significant? Who does Israel bless first? What is included in this blessing?
• What is the significance to the angel referenced in verse 16? Who is this angel likely referring to?
• Does Israel know that he has made this mistake? Is it intentional? Why does Israel say he does this?
• What is the promise Israel leaves with Joseph regarding God? What does Israel give to Joseph?

Prayerfully Meditate

• What is significant about the blessing language used by God in this passage? Why are blessings so significant in the book of Genesis?
• Why do you think the author would emphasize Ephrath? What is significant about this place? (Hint: Read Micah 5:2 for help)
• Why might the author of Genesis placed this passage about Jacob’s blessing directly after recounting what God said to Jacob in verses 3-4?