Remembering God’s Mercies in Affliction (Genesis 41:51-52)

“And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” — Genesis 41:51–52

 

Summary:

Joseph named his sons Manasseh and Ephraim to preserve the memory of God’s dealings with him. Manasseh testified that God had changed his circumstances so completely that his former suffering no longer ruled him; Ephraim declared that God had made him fruitful in the very land of his affliction. Believers should remember past mercies because forgetfulness weakens gratitude and confidence. Affliction need not prevent fruitfulness, for God uses trials to produce righteousness and spiritual growth. Every change, deliverance, and good result must therefore be traced to God, not merely to human instruments or circumstances.

Outline:

• Remember God’s dealings
  • Remembering former mercies strengthens faith, gratitude, and confidence in the unchanging God.
• God can transform our condition
  • Manasseh testified that God had removed the power of Joseph’s former toil and sorrow.
• Affliction does not prevent fruitfulness
  • Ephraim showed that God can make his people flourish in the very place of their suffering.
• Seek spiritual fruit above outward success
  • Prosperity matters little unless the soul grows in grace and bears the fruits of righteousness.
• Give God the glory for every mercy
  • Faith sees God’s hand beyond secondary causes, and humility gives his name all the praise.