Good morning! Another new day! Genesis Chapter 49.
So Jacob is on his deathbed and speaks his final words to each son, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. He speaks either blessing or curse because of the diversity of his sons. Some more evil and some more righteous. This chapter actually reminded me of my dad, when on his deathbed, he called each of us kids individually and spoke his final words. He gave words of blessing to each of us pointing out our strengths. Not sure what he said to the others if it was all blessing or if some challenging thoughts of their lives. But I can't help but think of the day we stand before God the judge. I want to live my life right before the Lord because he will either say, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” or “Depart from me you who are cursed! I never knew you!”
As we approach the end of Jacob’s life on earth as we near the completion of reading the first book of the Bible, I was thinking back a little about the failures and victories that Jacob and many other people experienced along the way. We’ve seen many highs and lows of those who lived and had a part to play in the events that happened during Genesis and shaped history. There were many mistakes that people made all starting with Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden, but yet God had a plan through it all to rescue mankind. God’s plan has been good all along and we read this in John 3:17. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” We have the choice to make to either be blessed or cursed. Choosing Jesus is choosing life! Check out Deuteronomy 30:19-20. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Here’s the link for the parody, We Didn’t Start Messiah.
https://youtu.be/cpk8erO2JrQ
In the end, Jacob choose to be buried with Leah not Rachel. The Messiah will come from Leah’s son Judah’s line. Today, you can still visit the tomb of the patriarchs in Hebron but Christians, Muslims, and Jews all have to use separate entrances in the name of peace. Something to think about.
Great points Jeanine
I just realized “each representing the 12 tribes of Israel”
Jacob is Israel so it’s the 12 tribes of Jacob too
Thanks Blair, Jim, Jeanine, and Brian for great responses.
This chapter is a reminder that we all have consequences for our actions. Jacob’s sons who lived sinful lives were not given blessings and their futures were bleak. His sons who were faithful and God fearing had many blessings. This is before Jesus came to save us from our sins and give us freedom and forgiveness by dying on the cross. I am thankful that the sins of our past do not mean we cannot be blessed in the future! Thanks be to God and Jesus! Amen!