Day Seven: Jacob – Touching the Future
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 48:1–49:28
Introduction: At the end of his life, Jacob, also known as Israel, pronounced a blessing over each of his sons. He also blessed Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. First Chronicles tells us the birthright of the firstborn was actually given to Joseph because of the sin of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:2). Jacob’s blessings were more of a prophecy than they were a prayer for their well-being. As we trace the history of the tribes of Israel through the rest of the Bible, we find that Jacob’s blessing/prophecy was very accurate. The descendants of each of Jacob’s sons, who would become the nation of Israel, pretty much ended up like Jacob said they would. An added note of interest here is that the list of faith’s hall of fame in the book of Hebrews tracks well with these blessings, too. Joseph’s two sons account for most of the men mentioned by name. Of the named men of faith in Hebrews 11 who are descended from the tribes of Israel, two are from the tribe of Ephraim, Barak and Samuel; and two are from the tribe of Manasseh, Gideon and Jephthah. And Joseph is the only son of Jacob mentioned in Hebrews 11. The tribe of Judah also figures prominently. David is mentioned by name, and Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are all referred to. The one who especially stands out is Samson. He is from the tribe of Dan. For all of his failures, Samson was a bright spot in the sordid history of the tribe of Dan.
Application: The pronouncements that Jacob made over his sons turned out to be very accurate. Clearly, he was speaking from the Lord’s revelation. God showed him how each of his son’s descendants would turn out in God’s plan for the nation of Israel. Most of us don’t have that kind of insight into the futures of our children, but we can observe things in their current behavior which serve as pretty good signs of the kinds of adults they will be. While our children are responsible for the decisions they make, we play a part in how they turn out. Parents can be a blessing or a curse to their children. We should seek to help direct our children to develop the character and habits that will give them the best chance at making godly choices when they become adults. Two of those mentioned in faith’s hall of fame serve as special encouragements to us who are burdened for our children. Rahab was a prostitute who became a believer, and Samson was a willful, despotic man who turned his life around at the end. We should never give up on our children but continue to pour ourselves into them.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of children. As I have opportunity to speak into the lives of my children or someone else’s children, help me to be a positive influence on their lives, pointing them to You and Your ways. Bless the children in my home or in my sphere of influence and appoint a place of great service and witness to each of them. Help me to point them to Jesus as soon as possible so that they, too, may know You as I know You. Amen.