Apples of Gold

Most of us enjoy a come from behind victory. In fact we are statistically more likely to root for the underdog than the far superior team in a match. Underdogs often symbolize hope and an endearing vulnerability at the same time. 

So while we are rooting for an unexpected comeback, we are in essence rooting against the stronger, better opponent. On those occasions where the long shot overcomes all odds and pulls off an epic upset the crowd goes wild and leaves with a sense of satisfaction. 

In contrast, the predicted winner, turned casualty to an emotional free-fall, fueled by shock, disbelief and humiliation, leaves devastated and confused. The fully anticipated victory slipped through their fingers leaving an empty void of unfulfilled expectations. 

Perhaps Manasseh could relate to this scenario:

In Genesis 48 Joseph’s father, Jacob, is failing rapidly. He takes his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim to meet their grandfather and receive his blessing. We pick up the story in verse 8.

Then Jacob looked over at the two boys. “Are these your sons?” He asked. “Yes,” Joseph told him, “these are the sons God has given me here in Egypt.” And Jacob said, “Bring them closer to me, so I can bless them.” Jacob was half blind because off his age and could hardly see. So Joseph brought the boys close to him, and Jacob kissed and embraced them. Then Jacob said to Joseph, “I never thought I would see your face again, but now God has let me see your children, too!” Genesis 48:8-11

The boys were probably prepared for what was coming. Traditionally the oldest son received the greater blessing. They were likely excited and perhaps a bit nervous as they approached their grandfather. 

Joseph moved the boys, who were at their grandfather’s knees, and he bowed with his face to the ground. Then he positioned the boys in front of Jacob. With his right hand he directed Ephraim toward Jacob’s left hand, and with his left hand he put Manasseh at Jacob’s right hand. But Jacob crossed his arms as he reached out to lay his hands on the boys’ heads. He put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, though he was the younger boy, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, though he was the firstborn. Genesis 48:12-14

This was unexpected. Although we are uncertain of their exact age the boys were likely old enough to understand what was happening. They could have been as old as their teens or even early 20’s.  

Like an unforeseen plot twist in a Hallmark movie, Manasseh can only look on as the blessing he has been expecting as the oldest son is given to his younger brother. His reaction is not recorded, but Joseph’s is:

But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head. So Joseph lifted it to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. “No, my father,” he said. “This one is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” Genesis 48:17-18

Did he see disappointment in Manasseh’s eyes? Did his heart ache for Manasseh as they witnessed an unexpected exception to an age old tradition? 

“But his father refused. “I know my son; I know,” he replied. “Manasseh will also become a great people, but his younger brother will become even greater. And his descendants will become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 48:19

From this moment on Manasseh and Ephraim become known as Ephraim and Manasseh. Perhaps Manasseh had followed in his father’s footsteps and had an unshakable faith that courageously faced unfulfilled expectations with steady confidence in the goodness of God. Had I been in his shoes I would almost certainly have been struggling to hold back the tears of disillusionment and embarrassment as I watched “my” blessing transfer to another. I would probably not even have grasped “Manasseh will also become a great people” through the fog of defeat. 

In this crazy life things often don’t go exactly as planned. Sometimes the disappointments can seem overwhelming. We can even find ourselves feeling unworthy, unwanted, unusable and unhappy! 

Despite the blessing debacle Manasseh went on to become one of the most influential, largest and militarily important tribes in all of Israel. He didn’t sit in a corner bemoaning “what should have been” but served God from the position he was given. 

It can be difficult to serve with not only a smile, but with a spiritual satisfaction when you face an unexpected exception. Our measurements for success often focus on things that God doesn’t value as much as we do. The shiny things are sought after in our culture but often God is looking for those who will pick up the towel and wash feet, or perhaps a mop and scrub brush. While we fight over titles God is searching for servants. 

If you find yourself facing disappointment and the loss and pain of unfulfilled expectations I would like to leave you with a few Scriptures that can serve as a balm to the wounds you have borne.

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3

I am confident that I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18