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JACOB THE PROPHET SPEAKING!
TUESDAY, MARCH 25
Genesis 49:1-12

Psalm 45:9-17

 

“…Surely I come quickly…”

 

JACOB THE PROPHET SPEAKING!
 
No deathbed scene can ever compare with Jacob’s. It was unique in more ways than one. Here we see the great Patriarch (father) of the nation-to-come, leaving his will to his twelve sons. With eyes of faith, Jacob spoke “in the Spirit” great prophetic words of faith. “Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers” (Gen 48:21). “…Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days” (Gen 49:1).
 
1. Reuben, first by birth but not in character. Instead of integrity and stability, Reuben showed unrestrained carnality by committing adultery with Bilhah. He was incapable of constancy or leadership. His tribe was probably absorbed into the half tribe of Manasseh in later years.
 
2, 3. Simeon and Levi were paired together for their partnership in the massacre of Shechem. Their cruel, treacherous and wanton slaughter of the Shechemites deserved to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Why did they carry out their murderous assault on defenceless persons? Was it not out of hatred, malice and vengeance in the heart? Beware of these violent types! Avoid them! For their misdeed, the judgment was: “…divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel” (Gen 49:7). The Levites were dispersed throughout the land as priests. Simeon was largely absorbed by Judah.
 
4. Judah received high honour, as the leader among the tribes. Through David, the tribe led the nation to its greatest victories and conquests. In Judah was ascribed the royal household, like the lion which is king among the beasts. But the ultimate fulfilment of Judah’s greatness is in our Lord Jesus when He returns in power and great glory as KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. Then the kingdoms of this world are become the “kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ” (Rev 11:15). In that day, Israel will say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matt 23:39). “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah…” (Gen 49:10)!
 
THOUGHT: Everything has been planned by God.

PRAYER: O Father, how long before Jesus returns?

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