Genesis 49 - “Leaving a Legacy”
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Opening Statement - We all want to leave a legacy, a genuinely positive impact, from this ONE life that we have.
Opening Illustration - (credit to Scott Donnell, Instagram)
This guy in 1870 was helping out in a prison. He found that 42 inmates all traced back to the same great-great grandfather. So he had to figure out what happened.
So he dove in and did a deep study. And he found that it traced all the way back to a guy in NY named Max Jukes. He was a bum, a thug, and a womanizer. He had 11 kids with a bunch of different women and a crazy life. And his stats over the five generations are insane.
310 people died as paupers (poor, dependent on public charity). 400 drunks, 190 prostitutes, 150 more criminals, and 7 murderers. Then he compared it to another family at the exact same time.
His name was Jonathan Edwards. Who also had almost a dozen kids and he lived right near him. He was a teacher, he was a pastor. And here was their next five generations:
13 college presidents, 65 college professors, 75 military leaders, 80 public servants, 60 authors, 60 doctors, 30 judges, 100 more pastors, 100 lawyers, 3 U.S. senators, and a U.S. Vice President.
I think we may underestimate the impact we can leave behind; whether good or bad.
Opening Background - Two weeks ago we learned that
Jacob was on his death-bed when he called for Joseph to come to him. There he was given the “double-portion” blessing, that a first born son would normally receive. Two oddities in that chapter were that
Joseph was not technically the first born son, Rueben was,
And Joseph didn’t receive the double-portion personally, but rather Jacob adopted his two grandsons by Joseph, and gave each of them a single-portion, effectively giving Joseph a double portion…
From that point forward, 13 names are interchangeably used for the “12 tribes” of Israel.
This week, we see that Jacob shifts from focusing on Joseph and his sons, to now ALL of his sons.
He will have a few moments of strength, clarity, and one last powerful move of the Holy Spirit, while he pronounces: “blessings, cursing's, judgements, and promises” to his sons.
Although, if averaged out, I think the impact of their blessings far outweigh the impact of their cursing’s/judgments.
Jacob’s words will be remembered for the last 4,000 years, as much has already been fulfilled…and some yet to be fulfilled, "in the last days.”
Last words are often the most memorable and maybe even meaningful for people.
Relevance to CCB - its amazing how people can get a moment of clarity or strength often right before they pass away, and that is what seems to be occurring here.
What do you want your legacy to be?
What can you learn from Jacob and his legacy that you can apply to your life?
Message
Let’s Pray
(vv. 1 - 2)
in the last days - meaning “in the days to come,” and/or “in the end times.”
Notice Jacob and Israel - both used - he says listen to Israel - the spirit-filled man. This family respected their father and they were very interested in what he has to say…knowing how intimately connected he was to the true and living God.
(vv. 3 - 4) Starting with, Sons of Leah. Leah (the less-loved woman) will be the mother of the priestly tribe Levi and the royal tribe Judah). God is very gracious to her.
Reuben, you are my firstborn - we know from Gen 48, he didn’t get the firstborn blessing. Not normal.
(v. 3) Seems positive to start…but he’s being setup for a fall.
(v. 3) is what “should have been” - might, strength, dignity, excellence of power…however,
(v. 4) is what “ended up being” - unstable, and unsuccessful - a disgrace. Why?
(v. 4) Because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defied it—he went up to my couch.
And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Reuben’s sin is multi-faceted: Sexually immoral, adultery, incest, and a gross lack of self-control.
Nowhere in the Scripture does it say that Jacob publicized Reuben’s sin, even to Reuben.
Nowhere in Scripture do we see that Reuben sought forgiveness.
The cost of Reuben’s sin will ripple down through generations:
No national leaders will ever arise from the tribe of Reuben. A weak tribe.
The tribe of Reuben will settle east of the Jordan, preferring not to enter the promised land because the land they found was “good enough” for them. Known for mediocrity.
Lust - is how Reuben is remembered.
More than 40 years later, his sin finds him out. Though he probably thought it was buried, especially with time. But his father never forgot it.
Unconfessed Sin has consequences.
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Doesn’t matter for how long.
If you have unconfessed sin in your life, you need to confess it before the Lord to get free.
You should even prayerfully consider confessing it to the person you sinned against.
Especially sexual sin…that people tend to think, “no one knows or will ever find out.” God knows.
It all has consequences.
If you think you will get away with it…why wait to find out later that it’ll ruin your life?!?!
Reuben (and his descendants) will bear heavy consequences because of this.
It didn’t have to be that way. He could have confessed it.
Then, his story would have been better…(MTF - we’ll contrast with Judah)
(vv. 5 - 7) Sons of Leah
vv. 5-7) Simeon and Levi - More cursing's and judgements…yikes, not off to a good start.
(vv. 5-6) In response to their sister, Dinah’s, rape, by a Shechemite prince…Simeon and Levi sought vengeance by killing every male in Shechem. Most of whom had nothing to do with the rape.
They were angry - which is not intrinsically bad.
Jesus was angry at the Pharisees and the money changers, flipped tables and whipped their tales, yet He was without sin.
Eph 4:26 - “Be angry, but sin not”
I would even say we have a duty to exercise righteous anger and bring evil to justice.
But Simeon and Levi extended their anger to the innocent.
Their anger was became unchecked rage.
(v. 6) Jacob wants no council (advice) from them.
But Simeon and Levi in their anger they slew a man, in their self-will they hamstrung an ox
They killed indiscriminately, humans.
And animals (ox) by “rendering them unusable” - one interpretation says “they cut their tendons” to make them totally lame and unusable.
Their judgement - I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel
Simeon will be absorbed into Judah (Josh 19:1,9)
Levi will be scattered into 48 priestly cities across Israel
So far, we see a great example of a father willing to call out the sins of his kids.
Yet, today we don’t see that. Father’s let their kids go unchecked…we need to bring back “no, you’re not doing that,” and “you’re not going there,” etc.
(vv. 8 - 12) Sons of Leah
Judah - you are he whom your brothers shall praise - things are now looking better! Finally a blessing!
Yet, Judah also sinned (like Reuben, Simeon and Levi) - however, Jacob says nothing about it...and he receives the greatest blessing along with Joseph.
Judah had also committed sexual sin; impregnating his daughter-in-law, who he thought was a prostitute! Tell me that’s not bad? But after recognizing his mistake, he acknowledged his sin…and the Lord used it!
With God, you’re not defined by your fall...but by how you get up.
The Judah had sin in his life, just like the other three - but the difference was genuine repentance. Only Judah displayed that. And his life gradually progresses toward a beautiful story of redemption as he walks more faithfully with God as he matures.
He became the spiritual figurehead for his brothers back-and-forth to Eygpt. Wisdom.
He offered his life in trade for Benjamins if necessary.
From Judah’s tribe will come the most notable King, David.
Judah will become synonymous with Southern Israel including Jerusalem.
Most notable, Judah will be the line which the Messiah will come from. Notice all the “Messianic” language used:
you are he whom your brothers shall praise
your fathers children shall bow down before you
(v. 9) Judah is a lions whelp (young/cub), and as a lion, who shall rouse him? - Like saying, “no one will be able to mess with Judah” (No one can foil Christ’s plans)
But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
(v. 10) The scepter (kings ruling staff) shall not depart from Judah - we know Jesus will be the King
Nor a lawgiver from between his feet - unsure, but possibly Judah’s Seed be the lawgiver
Until Shiloh comes - most likely refers to Messiah - “until He comes whose right it is..."
Seems to foretell of the Messiah's first coming.
(vv. 11-12) Most likely speaking of the Messianic Kingdom
With an over abundance of choice vines - that they would hitch up their donkeys to the vines, something that wouldn’t normally be done in a our world of limited abundance.
Same with washing garments in wine and clothes in grapes - makes no sense, and even suggest hyperbole to the future time of great abundance that wine will be as abundant as water is now.
And their teeth will be pearly white from all the milk they get to drink.
A picture of great abundance!
Judah, the one who repented got the Messianic line and abundance. That's the difference between Judah and the first three.
(vv. 13-15) Last two Son’s of Leah
(v. 13) Zebulun - was positioned near the coast and made trade between the Phoenicians and the West.
Also known for courageous warriors - (Jud 5:14-18).
(vv. 14-15) Issachar - a strong donkey - They were hard workers and were given fertile land. The reference to their strength could be that:
(1) they were a strong people who weren't afraid to carry burden and/or
(2) When they were later enslaved due to their choice land being sought after, they carried heavy burdens, working for others.
(vv. 16-18) Son of Bilhah (Rachel’s handmaid)
(vv. 16-18) Dan -
(v. 16) means “to judge.” Dan will produce Samson, one of the greatest judges (the last judge)
But Dan is sneaky - like a snake. a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, that bites…
The tribe of Dan will be “Crafty” like a snake in taking Laish. (Judges 18:1-19)
Dan will fall into idol worship - and won’t appear in some of the genealogies, possibly due to this. (1 Chron 1:1-10; Rev 7:1-8).
But they’re back in the kingdom again in Ezekiel 48:1-2.
(v. 18) **BREAK** I have waited for your salvation, O Lord! - Perhaps he was in direct communication with God while speaking also to his sons?
salvation - (lit. yeshuah, Joshua, later translated into the Greek form as Jesus
(vv. 19-20) Son’s of Zilpah (Leah’s handmaid)
(vv. 19) Gad - (name means "troop" or "good fortune") - Gad will also reside on the east side of the Jordan, being easy to invade. But he will out dominate those who seek to dominate him (a troop shall troop upon him, but he shall troop at last). They were great warriors (Josh 22:1-6). Moses called them a brave lion (Deut 33:20)
(v. 20) Asher - (name means "blessed" or "happy"). Asher settled as an agricultural people, and became "most blessed" with olive oil and the security of its cities (Deut 33:24-25).
(v. 21) Leftover Son of Bilhah (out of order? or Jacob changed the order?)
(v. 21) Naphtali - part of “Galilees of the Gentiles” region, was where Jesus ministered. A deer let loose is fitting because they were known as “free-spirited” mountain people who were not bound by tradition, and could express themselves well.
(vv. 22-27) Son’s of Rachel
(v. 22-26) Joseph - bless(-ings) x6
(v. 22) a fruitful vine - Ps 1:3)
Joseph would indeed be fruitful, especially through his son Ephraim (Gen 41:52), founder of a tribe that grew greatly and expanded its territory (Josh 17:14-18).
(v. 23) archers shot at him…and hated him - interpreted as hateful and deceptive words about him. His brothers lied about him/hated him, Potiphar's wife lied about him...he was shot mercilessly.
Makes me think of spiritual warfare (fiery darts of the wicked one). And despite all the flaming arrows shot at him (evil thoughts/ideas/words) look to rose to the top, by God's grace and mercy.
(v. 24) but his bow remained in strength - he never shot back. Tearing down his brothers, or Potiphar, or the Cup bearer who forgot him…
(v. 24b) Messianic Emphasis:
by the hands of the the Mighty God, the Shepherd, the Stone, the Almighty -
The Mighty God
God is our Shepherd (first direct reference to God as Shepherd) - Last one (Gen 48:15) was indirect, “shepherding.”
Ps 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters”…
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
God is our Rock (stone) (first reference to God as our Rock) - A picture of strength, stability, and security...
Almighty
(v. 25) Promised wealth and fertility
As God blessed Abraham, it continued to increase going to Jacob, but then especially as it went to Joseph and his two sons.
The two main blessings went to Judah and Joseph.
The two of them are good examples for us to live our life by when seeking to build a good legacy.
(v. 27) Benjamin - A little ironic to be short and “negative” when Benjamin was the baby boy that Jacob loved dearly.
A ravenous wolf; devouring his prey by morning and dividing the spoil by night…
King Saul would come from Benjamin
Tried to hunt and kill David (from Judah)
N.T. Saul (later Paul) would come from Benjamin who ruthlessly persecuted the church.
Benjamin remained faithful to Judah in the divided kingdom and stayed in the south.
(vv. 28-33) Jacob’s Death
(v. 28) These are the twelve tribes of Israel...he blessed each one according to his own blessing.
(vv. 29-32) Instructions for burial with his close family members.
(v. 33) And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.
I have finished the race.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
It’s time to go home now.
And was gathered to his people.
I like how he knew he'd be with his people.
Closing
Closure - We can only be responsible for our OWN legacy, in which we see here of Jacob. His sons weren’t perfect, but God is working through them all. Jacob wasn’t perfect, but God doesn’t need “your perfection” to work with. He only needs for you to accept His.
Closing Application -
Israel’s Legacy -
Spiritual -
They gave us the Bible (the O.T.)
They gave us the Messiah (Jesus Christ)
They gave us the foundation for our faith.
Physical - Despite their small size, they provide so much to the world by way of science & tech, medical, agriculture, and defense.
Jacob/Israel’s legacy was/is that although beat up by life's trials, kept coming back to God.
He followed his grandfather, Abraham's, example, that his righteousness was justified by his faith, not his flesh.
Jacob just kept returning to God.
Jesus also left a legacy.
Spiritual -
Salvation by Grace vs. the Law.
Jesus gave us the church.
The New Testament.
Physical -
Charity/Philanthropy in general - according to ECFA, “practicing Christians are 40% more likely to donate to charity than non-Christians, and churchgoers are 75% more likely to donate then non-attendees.”
Hospitals/Schools - largely driven by Christian charity.
Christianity - largely advocated for Women’s Rights/Abolishment of slavery.
God gave Israel 12 sons. God gave Jesus 12 disciples.
Just like life was tough on Israel, you could say that "life beat Jesus up" too. (Understatement of all time)
And just like Jacob’s legacy is just getting started as he’s on his deathbed…Jesus’ legacy was really just getting started at His death too.
And His legacy ALSO was carried forward through 12 men...12 Apostles. Jesus told them
Go, make disciples (Matt 28)...you’ll be a witness to me to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
And Jesus’ legacy spread…to the whole world…
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
And here we are…2,000 yrs later, still carrying out Jesus’ legacy.
Urge to Action -
What will be your Legacy, personally? You can only be held responsible for your own legacy. Not your spouses (no marriage in heaven), not your kids, not your friends…Focus on YOUR walk first.
Did life beat you up?
Judging by our examples (Israel & Jesus), trials are not a dis-qualifier for leaving a legacy; but rather the opposite, a qualifier. (opportunities - Eph 2:10) …
Don't let your trials confine you...rather let your trials define you.
Let your trials produce fruit in your, that you can carry (your legacy) into eternity.
How will your legacy “ripple” through?
Your Family of Flesh - Do they know Jesus? Make it your business to show them Jesus.
Don’t get frustrated if everyone hasn’t accepted Christ today…
Your job isn’t to convert them…but to spread the seed.
The Family of Faith - Paul to Timothy - 2 Timothy 2:1–2 “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Pass it on.
All of us should have the “end of life goal,” that says, 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Let’s Pray
Benediction
