Genesis
chapter 49 begins with Jacob calling his sons to “Gather
around so I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to
come“.
Jacob is about to relate each son’s actions to the consequences to
his tribe (descendents). We don’t typically think about how our
actions today will impact our children and their children, but the
message is powerful; we pass on blessings through our children. To
Rueben he says, “You
are my firstborn…the first sign of my strength… you will no
longer excel, for you went up into your father’s bed“.
“Simeon
and Levi are brothers… killed men in their anger… I will scatter
them in Jacob“.
“Judah,
your brothers will praise you…your hand will be on the neck of your
enemies… like a lion…who dares to rouse him? The scepter will
not depart from Judah… until He comes to whom it belongs“.
“Zebulon
will live by the seashore… a haven for ships“.
“Issachar
is a strong donkey… he will bend his shoulder to the burden and
submit to forced labor“.
“Dan
will provide justice for his people“.
“Gad
will be attacked…but he will attack at their heels“.
Asher…
he will provide delicacies fit for a king“.
“Napthali
is a doe set free that will bear beautiful fawns“.
“Joseph
is a fruitful vine… his bow remained steady… the Mighty One of
Jacob…the Rock… the Shepherd… let all those rest on the head of
Joseph“.
“Benjamin
is a ravenous wolf“.
“He
blessed them, giving each one the blessing that was appropriate for
him“.
As parents we need to understand each child is unique and each child
must be parented as required. Psalm 127 talks about children being
like arrows in the hand of a skilled archer. In order to hit the
target he must know the unique characteristics of each one. How well
do you know your children?
The
chapter ends with Jacob instructing his sons where to bury him; “Bury
me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron…which Abraham
bought as a burial place“.
He reminds them Abraham and Sara are buried there, Isaac and
Rebekah are buried there and he too will be buried there. He once
again reminds them of their true home. In Egypt, Jacob could have
had a marvelously ornate tomb fit for a king, but he chooses a humble
cave. He knows the glories of this life fade and decay, but the
treasures of heaven are eternal. “When
Jacob had finished giving instructions to his sons… he breathed his
last and was gathered to his people“.
Notice his attitude toward death; he is ready, even eager to be
gathered to his people. He does not neglect his responsibilities
here on earth, but he is looking forward to his reward. May each of
us be confident of our place in eternity!
Whether
a parent, a grand-parent or a child, we all have the ability to
impact the lives around us. Jacob prophesied about the consequences
of the actions of his children. Jesus give us one prophesy that we
accept on faith; “Your
sins are forgiven“.
Regardless of our past, we have this bright future if we gather
around the Savior.