1. Do not bury me in Egypt (47:28-48:4)

Jacob knew that Canaan was the land God had promised to Abraham's descendants. So, even though he lived an easy life in Egypt, he knew that he and his family someday must return to the promised land. He wanted Joseph to bury him in Canaan. He believed God's promise, and he planted this belief in Joseph and in his sons.

2. God is my Shepherd (48:5-22)

Jacob's heart was full of thanksgiving, for God had allowed him to see Joseph again--and even to see Joseph's sons. He counted Joseph's sons as his own and blessed them to receive sons' portions instead of grandsons' portions. He gave the younger son, Ephraim, the blessing of the firstborn. This blessing is a confession of God's work in his own life. God his Shepherd led and protected and trained him all the days of his life. He prayed that God might also be the Shepherd of these two sons of Joseph.

Application: Lord God, you have been my Shepherd until now. Be my Shepherd all the days of my life.
One Word: The Lord is my Shepherd