Genesis 49

Praise be to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places because of our union with Christ. Amen

Genesis chapter 49 starts with Jacob prophesying over the life of his sons, the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:1). He tells Rueben that he would not excel because he defiled his father's bed (Genesis 49:3-4 NKJV) When it came to Simeon and Levy, he declares that may his honor not be united with them because in their anger they killed a man and also hamstrung an ox in their self-will (Genesis 49:5-7 NKJV) Israel declares to Judah that he is a lion, one all the brothers will praise. He shall conquer his enemies and all his father's children shall bow down before him (Genesis 49:8-9). To Judah would also be the obedience to all the people (Genesis 49:10). When the Son of God came to earth in a human body, the prophecy concerning Judah's life was fulfilled because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5) who also conquered every enemy and all powers of darkness when died on the cross, buried in a tomb, rose from the dead and ascended to glory to heaven . Zebulun would be the safe haven for the sea and ships (Genesis 49:13 NKJV). Issachar is a strong donkey and a burden bearer who became a band of slaves (Genesis 49:14-15 NKJV). Dan as one of the tribes of Israel who is a judge for his people (Genesis 49:16 NKJV). Gad would triumph victoriously despite a troop coming against him (Genesis 49:19). Asher would provide rich bread and yield royal dainties (Genesis 49:20). Naphtali is a deer let loose meaning his joyful and uses beautiful words (Genesis 49:21 NKJV).

Israel declared over Joseph, a fruitful bough whose branches run over the wall who was hated and bitterly grieved by his brothers but the arms of his hands were made strong "by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)" (Genesis 49:22-24 NKJV).

This verse also portrays Jesus Christ's nature embodied in Joseph. Jesus Christ was rejected in His hometown and crucified by the people in Jerusalem that He came to save which made Him "...the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." (1 Peter 2:7 NKJV). Jesus Christ is also known as the good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11 NKJV).

Genesis 45:11 depicts Joseph as the Stone of Israel who was able to preserve and provide for his family in a foreign land because God's mercy and strength was upon his life. Israel declares over Joseph that His God would help him, and by the Almighty, he would be blessed with the blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts of the womb (Genesis 49:25 NKJV). Israel still declares over Joseph that, "the blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers." (Genesis 49:26 NKJV). In turn, Israel was saying that God Himself who kept Joseph and equipped him with all the strength despite the adversity and affliction he endured from his brothers and in Egypt would be the One to personally bless Joseph.

Israel declared over Benjamin that he is a ravenous wolf who devours the prey in the morning and at night, he divides the spoil (Genesis 49:27 NKJV).

Israel then blessed each one according to their own blessing (Genesis 49:28 NKJV) and commanded his sons to ensure they buried him in the same cave in the field of Machpelah where his descendants Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah were buried (Genesis 49:30-31 NKJV). When Jacob had completed his calling, "he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people." (Genesis 49:33 NKJV). Genesis 50:1 NKJV says, "Then Joseph fell on his father's face and wept over him, and kissed him." Again, we see the faithfulness of God towards Israel because He told him that Joseph would close his eyes and indeed it happened just like God had promised him.

Isn't it amazing how God's people always knew their appointed time to transition to heaven. I believe these are the benefits of an initimate relationship with God where no detail concerning your life is withheld from you because you and God are one in relationship. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV says, "But as it is written: eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."

Today, Jesus Christ is the bridge that makes sure that we can be one again with the Spirit of God in an intimate relationship with God, the Father where He reveals the things that belong to His sons and daughters by the Holy Spirit.

Invitation to salvation: If you would like to get into an initimate relationship with God, I invite you to make this confession that invites you to new covenant of love that is found in the precious blood of Jesus Christ where we get to have a personal relationship with God, the Father where His heart to lead, to be an ever present help and guide you as His child is found when you choose Jesus Christ, His only Son as your Lord and Saviour.

Please speak the words below:

"I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that; Jesus Christ, the Son of God came in a human body to die for my sins so that I could have a new life where I am dead to sin and alive to God. I repent of my past sins and enter the Kingdom of light where I choose relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and with God as my loving Father today and forever." AMEN.

Congratulations, by grace you are saved and are now a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old life has passed away and you have received the free gift of salvation into your life (2 Corinthians 5:17) where you get to freely access everything I've shared in this post. To the glory of the Almighty God. Amen.

Please feel free to reach out to us on info@bibleversionoflife.com. We would love to hear your story and send you a free Bible! God bless you.

PS: In case you have not already, please remember to read Genesis 49 alongside this post in your personal devotional time and share your thoughts in the comments below!

I'll end with Word found in 1 Peter 2:24-25 (NKJV):

"24.who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness - by whose stripes you were healed.

25.For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

AMEN, thank you LORD.