Scripture to Read: Genesis 49:1-7
This week we read in Genesis 49 about Jacob's (Israel's) death. Before Jacob died, he brought his sons before him to speak a blessing or a loving rebuke. As we read Genesis 49:1-7, Jacob's words are recorded to his first three sons, Reuben, Simon, and Levi. Reuben was told that while he was meant to be "preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power" (Genesis 49:3) as the firstborn, he would "not have preeminence" since he sinned against his father (Genesis 49:4). Simeon and Levi were told their lives were marked by violence, and Jacob wanted no part of that and even says, "Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce" (Genesis 49:6-7). With Jacob's first three sons, one thing is clear: sin brings consequences. Jacob (Israel) shared what would happen to them in the days to come. What these men would face were the results of their sin. Reuben had committed sexual immorality, and Simeon and Levi had killed men in their anger. As Jacob approached his death, his first three sons were reminded that sin also always results in death (James 1:13-15). We also know we live in a fallen world and that sin still brings horrible consequences today. Maybe we have not committed sexual immorality exactly like Reuben, but we all have lusted after or coveted something that is not ours. None of us have killed another person, but, in our anger, we have murdered in our hearts (Matthew 5:21-22). The only hope we find to be freed from sin is in the grace of our Heavenly Father through our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Challenge & Application
1. What does God’s Word in Genesis 49:1-7 show us about the consequences of sin?
2. Where have you allowed your lust or greed to linger or your anger to grow into hatred?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!