Genesis 48:12 (NKJV)

“So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth.”

Before Joseph would hand over his two boys to his father for the blessing, he bowed his face to the ground in reverence. Joseph was not worshipping Jacob; Joseph was honoring and reverencing the holiness of the moment. Joseph was acknowledging that this was a special time in the presence of God; this was sacred ground. Joseph recognized that the carrier of the Abrahamic covenant was about to pronounce blessings.

Set an example for your younger ones in the manner in which you treat and respond to the older generation. Though our fathers may not be as learned and exposed as we are, may we show them the deepest regard and respect, knowing that they still possess a blessing that cannot be bought or earned. Let the younger ones see and know this even from observing our attitudes and behaviors.

There’s so much talk about ancestral curses but may we also teach our younger ones how to receive ancestral blessings.

“Father, I pray to be an example before my children in the ways I relate with elders. May they see how I honor the older generation and may it mold how they will likewise honor their seniors. As we honor these fathers and mothers, may their blessings flow to us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”