Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived
Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26
Reading #2 - Genesis 48:10–16
My Thoughts:
Last wishes. Jacob wanted to bless his son and grandsons before he passed. And Hashem honored that. In verse 11 we read that Jacob didn’t think he would ever see Joseph again, but he did. And it was truly a miracle. It’s important that we let Hashem know what we want when we get close to the end of our lives. And that we are sensitive to the wishes of those whom we love that may be close to death. Do you have any “last wishes” or prayers that you are hoping Hashem will answer before you leave the planet? Ask Him and believe He will answer your prayers -- even if it is in an unexpected way!
Challenge:
Do you have a grandparent/parent or friend who is close to dying? My challenge today is to see if it is possible for you to ask them if they have any “last wishes”. And then to help these wishes come to fruition before they pass. Even if you have to pray for supernatural help or go out of your way to help -- I believe it will all be a blessing and you will be blessed in return. Let’s make sure we are helping those around us to achieve the things they desire, before they die.
Reading #2 - Genesis 48:10–16
10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I didn’t think I would see your face, and behold, Elohim has let me see your offspring also.” 12 Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 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 to him. 14 Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 He blessed Joseph, and said,
“The Elohim before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
the Elohim who has fed me all my life long to this day,
16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads,
and let my name be named on them,
and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.
Let them grow into a multitude upon the earth.”
