In many churches today we see baby blessings like in the times of the Bible. Jesus was blessed as a child and so was Joseph’s children, and others also. We don’t know how young Joseph’s two children, Ephraim and Manasseh, were but it appears they were very young when Jacob blessed them. It began when “Israel beheld Joseph’s sons, and said, Who are these? And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them. Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.” (Genesis 48:8-11) This blessing that Jacob is speaking of is a word of knowledge from God unto these children and their future. You may have been at church when a baby is blessed. This is following the same practice that took place for centuries in the church.
The story continues with Joseph bringing his two boys to the feet of his father Jacob. He did this because he was old and could hardly walk. However, in church, many times the father or pastor holds the child and then declares a blessing upon the child. It is then that the pastor also receives a word of knowledge about possible future events for the child as well as asking God to bless them. Now, with Jacob, the story continues and reads, “And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.” (Genesis 48:12-14) Lastly, God is willing to use anyone in this time for His glory, so being the firstborn no longer matters. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will have an open mind when it comes to Your teachings in the Bible and not what every person in our church or others may say about You and Your teachings. So many false doctrines are spread when people simply trust in men, instead of searching the scriptures to see if their teachings come from You or not. One such teaching that I really enjoy from the Bible is baby blessings, of which I know comes from Your holy Word. By the mouth of two or three witnesses do we see people blessing children over time. This really helps me and different pastors of churches know that blessing child is a worthwhile thing to do. Truly, pastors that bless these children should be worthy of such an important act also. This way, they can receive a word of knowledge concerning the baby or young child in their midst. Therefore, help lead every believer in Your church through pastors that truly honor and obey You in word and in deed. I trust in You, Lord. You are my God and I worship You also. I love you, Jesus. Amen.