"By Faith Jacob ..." (Hebrews 11:21)

by "Watchman" | Category: General | Jun 1982

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews had a profound understanding of the "things written aforetime". His knowledge of Old Testament history, and, in particular, of God's ways with His people Israel shines from every page of that remarkable book. He was also deeply taught in the typology of the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant as it foreshadowed "the good things to come" of which we are now the beneficiaries.

But there was a further feature of Old Testament revelation which claimed a prominent place in his survey of the history of redemption. Interwoven in that history from its early beginnings were the exploits of men and women of faith who in their day played a vital part in its unfolding.

All who prize divine revelation as it is disclosed in the Old Testament story treasure the example of those whose names find honourable mention in Hebrews chapter 11. The list, of course, is not complete, but we can fill in the picture and gain further encouragement from the army of the unmentioned who followed "in their train".

To demonstrate the faith of these worthies the writer of Hebrews focused on some outstanding incident or feat in their experiences, not that these were isolated from the general tenor of their lives, but were high peaks to which faith conducted them. Faith's triumphs differ according to "times and seasons" and circumstances. It is instructive to ponder the specific event cited by the Spirit of God and to view it against the background of the life under review.

Details of Jacob's long eventful life are recorded in the book of Genesis. As the writer of Hebrews surveyed with Spirit-given perception the struggles and triumphs of the "supplanter" who became a "prince with God", why did he choose to recapture for us, in the few words quoted at the head of this page, those memorable scenes at the deathbed of the aged patriarch? Was this the high peak in Jacob's pilgrimage of faith? Whether that be so or not, it was the incident chosen by the Spirit of God to impress upon us that in the school of faith what matters is the end-product. God's servants are expendable. At times in the path of obedient faith there are experiences which may seem a leap in the dark, but God works in ways of His own, and His ways are perfect. Sometimes the pilgrim's way is dark, and the hill is steep. At such times the word from the Lord is: "He that walketh in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God" (Isa: 50:10).

From the time of his early encounter with God at Bethel (Gen. 28), Jacob had been assured and re-assured by divine promise that he and his family were on the mainline of a great purpose of God. Yet setbacks and calamities were so prevalent in his life that he was frequently at the end of his tether. Possibly, his blackest days were those brought about by the circumstances which wrung from him the despairing verdict, "all these things are against me" (see Gen. 42:36-38). How mistaken he was! Soon he would be permitted to learn how wonderfully another Hand had been at work for him.

In spite of its lurid patches and dark clouds, Jacob's life had a radiant sunset. As he stood back and contemplated the scene so graphically depicted in Genesis chapters 48, 49, the writer of Hebrews was captivated by it. We look at it once more. 'By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff".

"I had not thought to see thy face," said the old warrior to Joseph, "and, lo, God hath let me see thy seed also". Touching moments for father, son and grandsons: history in the making! As Joseph presented the two boys to his father for blessing he positioned them in order of birth: Manasseh, the elder, at his father's right hand. Observing that Jacob crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim's head; Joseph remonstrated, "Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn..." "I know it, my son, I know it", was the firm reply. The younger would be first. To the old man, bent with age, natural sight impaired but faith strong, everything was clear now. All had come right in the end! The past was explained and understood; the future was secure and glorious. "And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers" (Gen. 48:21). And then he worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. The lesson?

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.