Passage
Genesis 49:1-28 (ESV)
“he Can’t Save Himself”
Mark 15:16-32
Key Verse: 15:31
A Blessing Appropriate to Each
Date: Jul. 17, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 49:28
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.
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
