The Positive Power of Blessing

In ancient times fathers and grandfathers often left their children with a ‘blessing’ before they passed away. We see examples of this practice in the lives of Noah, Abram, Isaac, and Jesus. The most complete account of a father blessing his children in all of scripture is Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his sons. In this sermon, Jacob’s blessing of his sons is in focus. From this account we gain three insights from Jacob’s blessing which reveal to us what blessing was, warn against the sins of youth, and encourage us in our personal failures. Clearly, we have great hope, because Jacob’s blessings, particularly regarding his son Judah, have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.