Genesis 49:1 Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.
Jacob’s/Israel’s words in verse 2 got me thinking about something my preacher said to me the other day. (I’m paraphrasing here): “When things go well, we are quick to give the credit to God. When things go poorly, we are quick to take the blame. I wonder why that is.” That really got me thinking.
Genesis 49:2 “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.
I think sometimes, when our efforts are unsuccessful, that is God’s way of drawing us closer to Him. Like if I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and taking a risk that fails miserably, maybe I can only draw closer to Him through my failure in that task. Maybe, only then am I in a place to listen, to hear His voice. Verse 2, specifically, has me thinking about that balance between the human and the divine.
Genesis 49:3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
Precious Savior, I’ve said for years that anything good that comes from me is all You. The rest, the human messiness, I claim as my own. But the truth is You created me exactly as I am. You call me. You equip me. You use all things, even my failures, to draw me closer to You. Thank You….for all of it, but most especially for drawing me closer. Always. Amen.
Genesis 49:4 Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it.
Have a blessed day.