Daily Reading: Genesis 49
Scripture Focus: The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet… (Genesis 49:10a)
Devotional Thought: Genesis 49 records the final blessings of Jacob on his sons, before he “breathed his last and was gathered to his people,” (v33). The blessings were given to each son according to the “blessing suitable to him,” (v28). (We should be grateful indeed that we will not be judged by our Father according to our past sins if we have placed our trust in Jesus!) But, notice the blessing of Judah.
Judah’s blessing compares him to a lion’s cub and as a lion and a lioness. Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah in Revelation 5:5, the only One worthy to open the book with its seven seals, initiating the final judgment of the world. Israel also prophesies that “the scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples,” (v10). We know that the kingdom and throne of Jesus will be established forever (1 Chr 22:10, 2 Sam 7:16). The final kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of Christ, and He will reign forever and ever (Rev. 11:15).
How beautiful that the Lord chose to bless not the firstborn son, as was customary in this time and culture, but rather chose to bless the entire world through One that would come from the line of Judah, his fourth son. So it has been all throughout history and continues now – we see God working through ordinary people, full of weaknesses but possessing hearts of humility and obedience through the grace of God. May we be not like Israel’s firstborn, prideful and deceitful for his own gain, but like the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain, sacrificing all for the kingdom of God.
-Jenny
Prayer: Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the story of redemption that you have been telling from the beginning of time. Thank you for the Lamb that was slain for our sins, the Savior of the world, the Lion of Judah that will return to establish his kingdom forever. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. 12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people. 13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. 16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. (Psalms 45:8-17)
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