It’s hard to believe that we’re almost done with our year in Genesis! Just two more weeks left.
This week, we see Jacob giving his final instructions to his sons when he is just breaths away from death. These are prophecies from God. They were nothing Jacob could predict on his own, and each was fulfilled exactly as God predicted. These specific prophecies were meant for Jacob’s sons and their descendants, but in each son’s prophecy there are applications for us today. Let’s look at each one individually:
Reuben: As the firstborn son, Reuben should have received a double portion of land and wealth and should have been designated as the leader of the family. But instead, his sin and double-mindedness caused him to lose this special role among Jacob’s family. No kings, prophets, judges or other leaders came from Reuben’s tribe. How are my own desires or the pull of the world greater than my pursuit of God?
Simeon and Levi: These tribes will be scattered. But the Levites eventually repent and are given a special service as priests for the Israelites (Exodus 32). We deserve nothing, but in His grace God chooses to give us salvation and countless other blessings. Where do I see God’s grace in my life?
Judah: Judah was repentant and had a changed heart. This was evident in his changed actions when he stepped up to lead his brothers when they met Joseph in Egypt. Many rulers came from this line, including Jesus the Messiah. Through the blessing of Christ, Judah blessed all people. How am I using my blessings to help others?
Zebulun: Zebulun was prophesied to live by the seashore. This tribe’s land was located on a trade route from the sea. These people were a haven to travelers. Am I a haven or a safe place for others?
Issachar: Instead of defending their land from their enemies, Issachar’s tribe gave in to slavery. Where do I compromise with the world because it’s easier than taking a stand for God? Where am I enslaved with the world? Don’t be spiritually lazy.
Dan: Many powerful judges came from the tribe of Dan. But this tribe is well known for pulling the Israelites into idolatry. When do my actions lead others away from God?
Gad: When the Israelites return to the Promised Land, the tribe of Gad settles for the second best land. But the Gadites were known for being fierce fighters. When do I settle for second best instead of God’s best? Who needs me to fight with them?
Asher: The tribe of Asher settled for the happiness of wealth and had no spiritual depth. How has God blessed me financially and physically? Am I sharing my wealth with others and also holding on to it loosely because I know there is no true happiness in wealth and physical possessions?
Naphtali: This tribe represents freedom. God wants to release His blessings on us. Do I let myself remain trapped in a situation, or do I let God free me?
Joseph: Joseph pointed everyone to God and was a leader in his sufferings. How spiritually fruitful am I?
Benjamin: This tribe was called a ravenous wolf. Two well known members of this tribe were Paul and King Saul. They both were strong and zealous, but they show the value of harnessing that power for God (Paul) instead of being zealous for self (King Saul). What does God need to harness in my life?
I love that God gave these prophecies to Jacob, and then Jacob obediently passed them along to his sons (without changing anything!). God may have punished some of the sons for their attitudes and behaviors, but He never took away their privilege of belong to Abraham’s family. He blessed and cursed them appropriately. He also blesses us appropriately according to His grace and His sovereign purpose.
Jacob’s sons also show us that our influences now and rewards for eternity are determined by our actions and choices today. What did I do today to make an impact on eternity? What will I do tomorrow to create a spiritual legacy?
Here is Avery’s memory verse from last week’s lesson:
Do not be afraid.”
Genesis 46:3 NIV