Scripture to Read: Genesis 49:8-12
Yesterday, we read of the consequences of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi's sin. Today we read what Jacob spoke to Judah. Remember (in Genesis 38) how God showed us the spiritual blindness that comes from sin as Judah went into his daughter-in-law Tamar, thinking she was a prostitute. But then God revealed to us a compassionate, humble Judah in Genesis 44:18-34. No doubt Judah had repented and was being transformed by God. So, Jacob (Israel) told Judah, "Judah, your brothers shall praise you" (Genesis 49:8). God also shows us, "Judah is a lion's cub" (Genesis 49:9) and "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" (Genesis 49:10). Through these verses, God reveals to us that Judah is in the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then God tells us again in Matthew 1:3 that Judah is in Jesus's family line. Finally, in Revelation 5:5, Jesus is called "the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David." The blessing Judah received from Jacob was not fulfilled in Judah, but the blessing was fulfilled in Judah's family line through our Lord Jesus Christ. The promises of God are all found and fulfilled through our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ alone reigns eternally, and to Him only is due obedience from all peoples. The hope we have in being freed from sin does not come from ourselves but by the grace of God in the lion of Judah, our Lord Jesus Christ. We must give Him the praise!
Challenge & Application
1. What did God show you today through the blessing Jacob gave to his fourth born son, Judah?
2. How have you seen God’s grace in your life when you know none of us deserve it?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!