1. Joseph had two sons: Manasseh, the firstborn, and Ephraim. The name “Ephraim” means “doubly fruitful”, symbolizing that everything God allowed Joseph to face throughout his life had a purpose: to make him abundantly fruitful. Similarly, the Lord has a purpose in everything we go through: to perfect us so that we may bear fruit for Him and fulfill His purpose (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
2. The fact that Joseph took Asenath, an Egyptian woman, as his wife may symbolize Christ who, rejected by Israel, took the church for Himself from among the Gentiles. In the Old Testament, the Gentiles were not part of God’s people; however, through Christ’s work on the cross, we have been incorporated into the family of faith and today we participate in the promise made to Abraham (Matthew 21:42-43; 23:37-39).
3. God entrusted the apostle Paul with the responsibility of being a steward, that is, one who is in charge of managing, guarding, and distributing the household’s provisions. We cannot be negligent or waste the resources the Lord has entrusted to us. As faithful stewards, we must bring the unfathomable riches of Christ to people, for many lack spiritual nourishment (1 Corinthians 9:16-17; Ephesians 3:8).
4. “Turning away from Abraham resulted in curse after curse. This resentment cultivated for generations led Lot’s descendants to oppose God’s people (Deuteronomy 23:4). This is extremely dangerous. Those who turn away from the blessing often turn against it. Therefore, let us not follow this path. Let us remain close to the blessing, close to the word and the presence of the Lord” (Daily Food, book 8, week 2, Saturday, p. 35).
Did you know that we also have kids’ immersion? Click here to do it with your child: KIDS IMMERSION