This Sunday we come to Genesis 49:1-28. Jacob is about to die and has his deathbed moment with his sons.
Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come. Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob, listen to Israel your father.” (Genesis 49:1-2)
Your Bible (most likely) gives the heading “Jacob Blesses His Sons” to this section, but much of what follows doesn’t exactly sound like a blessing to our modern ears. Between the poetic language, the historical and cultural gap, and the prophetic nature of these “blessings” the significance of this passage doesn’t just pop right out at us at first glance.
Sometimes our Bible reading is like raking, easily gathering up the meaning that lies right out on the surface. Other times, it requires a bit more spade-work. If Paul really meant it when he wrote,
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).”
…then there is profit to be found here. Let’s take time to read and reflect on this passage before Sunday, asking the Lord to transform us by the renewing of our minds.
Fred Sanders will be preaching and Jeffrey Hubbard will be leading our sung worship. They would greatly appreciate your prayer for them as they prepare.
See you Sunday!