Passage
Genesis 49:1-28 (ESV)
Peter Reports to the Church
Acts 11:1-18
Key Verse: 11:14
A Blessing Appropriate to Each
Date: Jul. 17, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 49:28
First, the scepter in Judah (1-12). Before he died, Jacob prophetically blessed his 12 sons by his faith (Heb 11:21). The blessings were not random, but appropriate, according to the life and character of each son. People reap what they sow. Reuben was remembered for immorality (35:22); Simeon and Levi for violence (Gen 34:25,30). Judah was not a good role model, except that he offered himself as a slave in place of Benjamin. By God's providence, a ruler whom nations would obey (10) would come from Judah. This refers in part to King David, but ultimately to Jesus the Messiah, the Lion of Judah (9; Rev 5:5).
Second, many blessings upon Joseph (22-28). All the other sons got brief blessings. The focus was on Joseph, who was a fruitful vine near a spring, because he stood firm in faith amidst hostile attacks from jealous brothers and a scorned woman. Joseph's fruitful life and victory came from God-the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, his father's God, the Almighty-who helped him. God's blessings are mentioned five times (25-26).
Prayer: Lord, help me to live with faith, in the fear of God, earnestly seeking you. Thank you for Jesus, the greatest blessing of all.
One Word: Seek God and his blessings
