Genesis 49:1-12
Reflect
I find last words of people on their deathbeds really fascinating. As I picture the scene of Jacob summoning his sons to tell them his last words, I am taken by surprise. Jacob brings up the sins of his boys and prophesies their future which is impacted by their actions.
Reuben as firstborn will not get the privileges that come usually with his status. (Genesis 35:22)
Jacob doesn’t hold back about Simeon and Levi’s wrongdoings. (Genesis 34)
Judah also has wrongdoings. However, he seems to deal with his sin and we see actions that follow repentance to set things right. (Genesis 38 and 44)
In the prophesy over Judah’s life we see connections with Jesus, who was to come out of Judah’s line.
Jacob is not concerned about pleasing his sons. He is more concerned about their life in relation to God.
Apply
Be prepared to have God speak into your life through His Word and others. Deal with sin in your life and worry first about your relationship with your Heavenly Father above anything else. Your actions today impact your tomorrow.
Speak the truth in love to others! It has the potential to turn into a blessing! Acts 3:26b says ”…sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways”.
Annette Faszer
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Hospitality Coordinator, Irene Dickau.