In Genesis chapters 48-49, Jacob is nearing the end of his life and he gives a series of blessings/predictions about each of his children. Though some of these blessings and predictions may seem a little vague to us, I’m sure they made perfect sense to his children at the time. These blessings and predictions proved themselves to be true throughout the course of history, because Jacob knew his children.
Parents know their children. After birthing them, raising them, and watching them, it’s as if a parent knows their children better than the children know themselves…much to the frustration of their children. So, apart from direct intervention by God of by the child, a parent’s forecast about their child is usually pretty accurate.
It’s the same with our Heavenly Father. He know us better than we know ourselves…much to our frustration at times. (See Ps. 139:13-18.) His evaluation of us is true, and it is to our great benefit to listen to Him, heed His warnings, and change as He would have us to change. He desires to bless us, but we must listen to Him. Why? Because He knows us.
Bret Legg is the Teaching and Counseling Pastor at Warren Baptist Church in Augusta, GA.