"This teaching is about Jacob's final blessings for his sons," Mama Otter explained. "He speaks a special blessing over each of them and predicting what their future will be like. Jacob start in with his oldest son. Jacob says, "You are my firstborn, Reuben, and my might and the beginning of my strength. You will always be greater than the others, but your might will be taken away from you."
Papa Otter picked up the story, "another one of his sons Jacob said, "Levi, you will be a servant of the Lord, a faithful priest for the people of Israel. Your descendants will be a blessing to all." Papa otter continue, "Jacob blesses his son Judah and says that his descendants will be leaders and that the ruler's scepter will not depart from them. This blessing eventually leads to the birth of King David, who became one of Israel's greatest kings."
"Wow," said Olivia, "That's amazing!"
Papa Otter smiled, "Yes, it is. But the most important part of this chapter is that it shows us how God uses the blessings of our ancestors to bless us. Jacob's blessings for his sons continued to affect their descendants for generations to come."
Mama Otter added, "And the same is true for us. God has a plan for our lives and for our descendants, and we can trust that his blessings will continue to impact future generations as well."
With a sparkle in her eyes Olivia asked, "what happened to Jacob when he was finished with the blessings?"
Papa otter replied, "After giving all of his blessings, Jacob passed away, but his legacy lived on through his twelve sons, who became the twelve tribes of Israel."
"It's important to remember, Olivia," Mama Otter said, "That even though we may not all have the same gifts or blessings, it's important to use what we have to help and bless others."
Papa and Mama Otter hugged Olivia and told her how proud they are of her for understanding the story and what it means.
Lesson: The Genesis teaching in chapter 49 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives and the lives of our children. We can trust that his blessings will continue to impact future generations. That we can play a part in fulfilling his plan by being faithful to him and using the gifts and skills he has given us.