Highlights In Today's Reading:
Just prior to his death, Jacob foretold an amazing prophetic future of each tribe. Following the death of Jacob, Genesis comes to a close on a note of impending bondage as it also records the death of Joseph. Feel Israel's great oppression, hear their groaning, and realize their extreme need for the redemption disclosed in the Book of Exodus.
Although he was not the firstborn, Judah was destined to continue the Abrahamic Covenant with its promise of the Messiah (Genesis 22:18). Judah is a lion . . . The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be (49:9-10).
Judah emerged as the powerful leader of Israel and one who was feared by his enemies as a lion. Added to this, he was to hold the sceptre of legislative control over the other tribes until Shiloh come. Shiloh means "Peacemaker," and is commonly accepted to be a name or title for the Messiah.
Throughout the Scripture, God reveals His wonderful plan — first, of salvation through Christ — our Savior, and as we look forward to His glorious return our hearts are thrilled. The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is good news to all who love Him and keep His Commandments. . . . For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:2,4). His return will be the glorious culmination of all prophecy.
When our King is come, He will reprove the world of sin. . . . Of judgment, because the prince of this world, (Satan, whose demonic power has oppressed the world with hate and suffering) is judged (John 16:8,11). Oh, the freedom of that day!
Thought for Today:
We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37).
Christ Revealed:
As the Messiah who would come. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed (Revelation 5:5). The sceptre shall not depart from Judah . . . until Shiloh (the Peacemaker) come (Genesis 49:10).
Word Studies:
GENESIS 49:8 in the neck of =n control over; 49:9 stooped =rouches, lies down like a lion to sleep after a big meal; 49:10 sceptre =uler's staff of authority; until Shiloh come =ntil the Messiah comes; 49:20 fat =ich; 49:26 prevailed above . . . progenitors =istinguished above all his brothers; 50:10 sore lamentation =ery solemn memorial service; 50:15 peradventure =erhaps; will certainly requite =ill fully repay. EXODUS 1:10 there falleth out any war =f war occurs; 1:12 grieved =earful of their size; 1:17 feared =ad reverential, heartfelt submission to; 1:19 are lively =ear quickly, easily; 1:20 waxed very mighty =ecame very numerous; 1:21 made them houses =rovided them with houses of their own.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (DE) • Country: Armenia (3.8 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Armenian and Russian • Religious freedom • 78.5% Armenian Apostolic Church; 3.3% Muslim; .05% Protestant; 17.7% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the guidance of the Lord (Proverbs 8:17).
Optional Reading: Matthew 17
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 22:19
