Benediction
Read This Week: Genesis 49
Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.” All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him. – Genesis 49:1-2 & 48
Genesis 49 is the culmination of the last two chapters of blessings, pronouncements, and benedictions from Jacob to his family. It is an important summit in Genesis, where Jacob delivers his final blessings and prophecies over his twelve sons. Like so many others before, it is packed full of symbolic language and prophetic insights that extend far beyond the immediate context. Jacob, as seen in the last two weeks, is at the end of his life, and he gathers his sons to bless them and foretell their futures in a ceremonial speech. Each son represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and Jacob’s words carry significant weight in shaping the destiny of these tribes.
Jacob begins with his firstborn, Reuben, and moves sequentially through his sons. Each blessing contains elements of rebuke, praise, and prophecy. He rebukes Reuben for his instability and past indiscretions, predicting that he will not excel. Both Simeon and Levi are criticized for their violence and anger, with a prophecy that they will be scattered in Israel. Judah receives a prominent blessing, with prophecies of leadership and rulership, including a Messianic prediction of the scepter not departing from Judah. Zebulun is foretold to dwell by the seashore and become a haven for ships. Issachar is likened to a strong donkey, willing to bear burdens but also criticized for passivity.
Dan is prophesied to judge his people and be a serpent by the roadside, hinting at future treachery. Gad is promised victory after being initially raided. Asher’s future involves prosperity and providing royal delicacies. Naphtali is described as a free doe, bearing beautiful fawns, symbolizing freedom and beauty. Joseph receives an extensive and favorable blessing, emphasizing his fruitfulness and strength despite adversity. Benjamin is likened to a ravenous wolf, signifying fierceness and victory. After blessing his sons, Jacob again gives explicit instructions for his burial in the cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah are buried. He then breathes his last, marking the end of an era.
All of Jacob’s blessings and challenges hold some deep and practical meaning in our lives. The blessings to Judah highlight the importance of leadership and responsibility. Judah’s lineage leads to King David and ultimately to Jesus Christ, symbolizing the enduring nature of righteous leadership. For us, this can emphasize the need for integrity and foresight in leadership roles, whether in family, community, or professional settings.
Reuben, Simeon, and Levi’s prophecies are stark reminders of our actions’ long-term consequences. Their past behaviors directly impact their future blessings, and this teaches us the importance of living the right way and being mindful of how our actions affect not only ourselves but also our futures. Joseph’s blessing underscores the value of resilience and faithfulness. Despite the betrayal and hardships Joseph faced, he remained steadfast and ultimately thrived. This encourages us to persevere through trials, trusting that our faithfulness will be rewarded in due time.
From Jacob’s powerful benediction, Genesis 49 offers profound insights into leadership, consequences, resilience, community, and legacy. By studying these blessings and prophecies, we can glean valuable lessons for our own lives, steering us to live with integrity, perseverance, and a sense of purpose rooted in a godly heritage and guided by the Holy Spirit.
Genesis Chapter 49 Verse 18
I wait For Your Salvation, O Lord.
~The Promise~
God Is Saying To Me:
Are you still waiting for my salvation in your life? Do you know that you don’t have to wait any longer? I sent my son to give His life for all mankind’s sin and that includes you! He is the light of the world, the light in a fearful day, the light that illuminates blessings in your life, the light that outshines anything made by man or anything that man has to offer you. I was the light for Abraham, Isaac and Israel and I am the light, deliverer and redeemer for you too. Just as I blessed the heroes and the tribes of Israel, I too offer you my blessings for an eternal reunion with me. Can I be the light for you right now? I promise you clarity in the darkness, peace in your fear and longevity in my arms forevermore. ❤️
What This Means To Me:
1. Doing life with God is an honor and privilege that we should recognize and strive to share with others in all that we do and say.
2. Show gratitude at all times for God’s presence and blessings in our lives.
3. Strive to wait on the Lord for instruction and be obedient just like the heroes in the book of Genesis. It’s important because you reap and benefit from what you sow.
4. Acknowledge and remind others that salvation can only come from the Lord and not from the world, not from actions or good deeds. The Messiah brings ultimate deliverance from the world and worldly sins! ❤️
Have you heard the phrase, “you reap what you sow”? What you give, you get back. If you sow hate and discord, that’s what your life will be like. If you sow love and goodness, that’s what your life will be like. It’s an investment not just for you, but for the people around you. It’s an investment in everyone’s future.
You can go through life being self-centered and only concerned about yourself, thinking that you’re going to be happy. It really doesn’t work like that. Bringing happiness to others will make you a happy person. Sharing love with others will grow love in your life. If you’re in need, be a giver, and just watch how your needs get met.
We get by giving. I’m learning to store up treasures in heaven and live a life of investing, not just for now but for the future. Investing not just in my life, but for those around me. This is truly a better and more abundant way to live.
1. In life, you reap what you sow. If you invest in good, you get good; if you invest in bad, you get bad; and if you don’t invest in anything, you end up with nothing.
2. What you sow does not only affect you; it affects the people around you and the generations to come.
3. What you sow in life doesn’t only affect you now; it affects your future, not just in this world but in the world to come.
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This Week in the Life: Genesis 49
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I like this part in Genesis 49:25
By the God of your father who will help you,
And by the Almighty who blesses you
With blessings of the heavens above,
Father God was saying to me
My daughter I have chosen you to walk with Me and to reach out and bless others for Me.
That’s what blesses My heart.
When you do it blesses your heart too!
Always know I Am with you always and I love you❤️
I am so thankful to Know that Father God loves me He is always with me to help me.
I know I have to go through things in life
But through them He loves to bless me and I get to bless others for Him.
The blessings come from above.
Thank you Father God, Jesus and Your Holy Spirit for Your spiritual blessings ❤️
Love you so much
This week in Genesis chapter 49 God gave me a song
New day
Let’s come together to worship our Lord. Let’s come together to worship our Lord, lifting our hands thanking our Lord today is a New day. Today is a New day with our Lord. We are truly blessed. Yes, we are blessed because he loves us Yes, our Lord loves us he gives us strength he gives us hope He’s our comforter. What a good good father we have what a good good father we have so let’s gather together to worship our Lord worship our Lord amen
It’s a truly truly a blessing to have our Lord 24 seven so let’s try to be good servant going out helping others Sharing his words and love