A Powerful Father?

s Blessing

Genesis 48:1-48:22


INTRO: 1. After Joseph had been given the throne, second only to Pharaoh himself, he didnt seek
revengeHe sought his father.
a. Sought after the one who had nurtured the faith in him that had brought him through all the
difficulties.
b. For 16 years, Jacob lived peaceably in Egypt with his son Joseph.
c. As the end approached Joseph took his sons to be blessed by his father.
2. If anyone knew the importance of blessings of a father, it was Jacobwho tricked his own father into
giving him the blessings over his brother Esau.
a. His life was a result of that blessing.
b. His success was a result of that blessing.
c. His families future is a result of that blessinggenerations where linked by that blessing.
d. Jacob also knew that he was an important link in continuing his fathers blessing.
3. On his deathbed, Jacob didnt desire to leave his family the goods he had collected or the wisdom he
had come to knowthe blessing of God on their lives (His provisionHis favor).
4. Scripturally the fathers role is the spiritual leader of the household (minister/priest).
a. The blessing was conveyed by the laying on of hands as priest or minister.
b. The blessing was a petition before God as an intercessor.
c. The blessing was a declaration of faithas a prophet.
5. If as a father you wait until your deathbed to bring blessing to your children, your words will be
meaningless.
a. Jacobs words and blessing was powerful because his life backed them up.
6. How can we bless our household?

I. BLESS THEM WITH AN IMPERFECT FATHER
a. Jacob was far from perfect guilty of deception, failure even his limp served as reminder of his
imperfection.
b. Your kids arent looking for you to be perfect.
A. AN IMPERFECT FATHER IS APPROACHABLE
1. Dont be afraid to let those around you know you are human.
2. No one can relate to perfection.
3. Lets others especially your kids know that you face problems and failure in your life.
B. AN IMPERFECT FATHER IS FALLIBLEs
1. Dont be afraid to say Im sorry, I was wrong.
ILL. One of the greatest treasures in my past is a letter of apology from my Dad that resulted from an
argument in which he was more right than wrong. But I was impacted by the fact that my Dad was man
enough to apologize even to his own son.
2. When we admit we where wrong it opens the door for others to admit they where wrong and brings
healing and reconciliation.

II. BLESS THEM WITH AN AFFIRMING FATHER
a. We are connected to our fathers words all the days of our lives (Complaints/praises)
b. Jacob in blessing his children and grandchildren verbally affirmed their place of greatness in Gods
plan.
c. Our heavenly father knows the power of affirmation
This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.
A. AFFIRM THEIR IDENTITY
1. The heavenly father was quick to affirm the Sons identity.
2. Jacob let them know they where special because of two things they where his sons and Gods
chosen.
3. Let them know that its special to you for them to be your child.
4. Children first find their identity in their parents lay a strong foundation.
5. All our relationships need affirming.
6. Children you need to affirm your parents identity Im glad youre my Dad/Mom.
B. AFFIRM THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. As Jacob blessed them he emphasized the strengths he had seen in them.
2. Affirmation has the power to build self-confidence.
3. Learn the nack for identifying and celebrating your childrens strengths.
4. I read a book the other day that talked about the change in relationship that takes place after the kids
marry and leave the house they dont stop needing you. They just need you in a different role than
before. We move from being teachers to being coaches and cheer-leaders.
C. AFFIRM THEIR FUTURE
1. Through the anointing of the Holy Ghost, Jacob would actually prophesy over them all giving them a
powerful hope and encouragement for tomorrow and their individual places therein.
2. We must affirm what our kids are becoming and let them know we have faith in their future.
3. Let them know there future hinges not on their talents, dreams, or even their gusto but in their God.

III. BLESS THEM WITH A WORSHIPPING FATHER
Heb. 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning
upon the top of his staff.
a. Even when barely enough strength to standhe gave his last strength to worship God.
b. Our families know if worship has a place in our lives and how important it is to us.
c. Worship shouldn't be something we just do at church but a lifestyle of gratitude.
A. THE WORSHIP OF A GRATEFUL HEART
1. Are we openly grateful for what God has given us?
2. Do you pause to say thanks.
3. Is your gratitude God-focused?
B. THE WORSHIP OF TESTIMONY
1. Much of the qualities we see in Joseph and his quickness to testify of Gods goodness can be
attributed to a father who was quick to testify of Gods goodness.
2. The older we get the more we realize that were becoming clones of our parents.
3. We must become the right pattern for our children to emulate.


IV. BLESS THEM WITH A DISCERNING FATHER
a. Jacob called his sons and the sons of Joseph so he could bless them.
b. But he blessed them in Gods order.
c. He went against the way things where normally done.
d. Went against Josephs favorite son.
A. DIRECT THEM GODS WAY NOT YOUR WAY.
1. If were not careful we may want to project our plans on them when God has other plans.
2. We may see doctors, lawyersbut God may see another path.
3. God didnt have in His plan for Josephs children to rule like Joseph.
4. They would face a much more difficult path path of slavery.
5. Teach your kids to follow Gods path its always the best way.
B. SEE THEM GODS WAY NOT YOUR WAY.
1. Our favorites may not be the one God puts his hand on.
2. Jacob crossed his hands to bless the least favored the second son.
3. All of Davids brothers where brought before Samuel but it was the frail overlooked one that God
chose to use.
4. Cant allow ourselves to get blinded by favoritism or we can miss the blessings under our own roof
you may be raising the next David, or John Wesley or Billy Graham or U.S. President.

V. BLESS THEM WITH A HEAVENLY FATHER
a. Jacob knew that he couldnt stay, but he knew the heavenly father would be there.
b. He spent the last remaining days of his life getting his children to recognize the heavenly father.
A. BECOME A PATTERN OF HIS NATURE
1. Be an example of godliness so your kids can best relate to God.
ILL. There is a story of a child that had been given a short time to live. the father a godly man decided
that it was only fair to let the child know that he could die. When asked if his heart was ready to meet
God. The little boy smiled and said Yes. When his dad asked him Are you afraid of meeting Jesus?
The little boy declared, Not if hes like you, Daddy.
B. INTRODUCE HIM TO THEM
1. Dont wait on a preacher or Sunday School teacher make sure they know Jesus.
C. TEACH THEM TO DEPEND ON THEIR HEAVENLY FATHER
1. Hes the one who takes over when Daddy cant.

CONCLUSION: Today is a day devoted to blessing our Dads but how bout it Dads that it becomes a day
that we devote the rest of our lives to blessing our kidswith a sincere, yet imperfect Dadwith an
encouraging, affirming Dad with a Worshipping Dad.

____________
I posted this sermon just a few days PERSONAL NOTE:
after the passing of my Dad, Rev. I.J. Strickland Jr.(passed May 28, 2014). May this sermon in some small
way be a memorial to a life devoted to God and to his family. He embodied all the qualities above and so
much more. Hopefully, this message (or parts of it) will be picked up and preached in some pulpits
across the country and world in honor of my Dad this Fathers Day (even if you never mention his name).
Knowing that will bring me a sense of comfort on what could be a very hard day.

Dad, I will miss you greatly. Thanks for reflecting the heavenly father in your life.