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Genesis 48:10-14
Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.” 12 Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. 13 And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them close to him. 14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.
REFERENCES: GENESIS 41:50; ISAIAH 41:3; PSALM 72:23, 136:12; LUKE 22:69
Jacob lived his days believing he would never see his son Joseph again. Yet not only did God grant him the miracle of seeing his son again, but was also able to meet Joseph’s children, his grandkids. Their moment at the knee of Jacob was a picture of how God operates. God didn’t just meet expectations for Jacob’s family, he exceeded them. He will do the unusual to show us his love. Although there are days of despair and desperation that leave us feeling as if where we are is where we will remain forever, they will not. Even when all we can do is scream and shout out in pain, there is still hope. We have a heavenly Father who hears our cry. He knows our pain and is ready to shelter us in his arms. He reminds us that regardless of where we find ourselves, it’s going to be alright!
In Jesus, it will be alright.
Though Manasseh and Ephraim were his grandsons, Jacob blessed them as if they were his own sons. It was a power move, a decisive adoption in which the natural order was skipped so that they would inherit their blessing much sooner. And so it is with us. We are God’s chosen children, adopted into unqualified favor.
Throughout the Bible, the right hand serves as a symbol of strength, favor, and authority. At the time of blessing, the right hand is placed on the firstborn’s head to signal the wealth and legacy to be carried on. When Mannaseh was placed at Jacob’s right to receive his inheritance, Jacob crossed his arms and Ephraim instead received the firstborn’s blessing. In the same way, God crossed his arms at the cross, with his right hand blessing us in Jesus’ place.
Though culture and tradition often dictate our birthright, God has the last say. We are all sons and daughters in his eyes, not grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loves us so much that he placed his right hand on us. We couldn’t help being born into sin, but Jesus took our place so that we may become the righteousness of God. We serve a God who crossed his arms to pick the least likely. The ultimate, undeserving act that qualifies us to experience a relationship with God.
Increase your faith today. As an adopted child of God, speak words of life over your situation. Sing Resurrecting by Elevation Worship over your life.
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
This isn’t just another conference. It’s a holy moment to encounter Jesus, be filled with His presence, and reset your heart around what matters most. Over three days of powerful worship, teaching, and community, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and live with boldness.
From curated workshops to next-level add-ons, VOUSCon is designed to meet you where you are and where you lead—whether that’s in your church, your workplace, or the middle of a major life decision. Every session is crafted to grow your faith and strengthen your voice.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
When: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
VOUSCon is here! On Wednesday before kicking off VOUSCon 2025 in strength and unity we are going to pray.
Don't miss the moment to join us in prayer. Please RSVP by clicking here for our FREE VOUSCon Prayer Night
When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 7:00PM
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.
When: Saturday, July 12th
Where: All VOUS Locations
Time: 10:00 AM
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
