SCRIPTURE: Genesis 49
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Then Jacob called for his sons and said: “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. [Genesis 49:1]
These are father Jacob’s last words to his sons.
We might have expected warm and fuzzy last words, but not so.
In a moment of shocking candor, Jacob names his sons character, and based on this predicts their futures.
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him. [Genesis 49:28]
Not sure how all of his words are ‘blessings’, but I do sense that each blessing was appropriate to them – maybe the blessing was in the form of a warning?

Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles… [Matthew 10:1-2]
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions… [Matthew 10:5]
I am reminded of Jesus gathering His twelve disciples and giving them their instructions.
If they had any high hopes of a good life because they were chosen by Jesus, His instructions should have dispelled them.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. [Matthew 10:21-22]
The ‘blessing’ here in their commissioning is not in warm, fuzzy words, but in blunt honesty about their calling and purpose, a warning of sorts.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them… When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” [John 21:20-22]
In Jesus’ last words to Peter, He tells him about what will happen to him, how he will suffer and eventually die [John 21:18-19]
Peter (perhaps like some of Jacob’s sons) wanted to know what Jesus had in mind for others, why they got different ‘last words’ than him.
But Jesus response is telling, for us and for all people.
Each one of us is responsible for our own ‘lot’ in life, and must response appropriately to our circumstances.
We do not have to know what or why others ‘blessings’ are different from ours.
We just have to follow (obey, serve) the Lord with integrity.
Our futures depend in part of God’s purpose, but also in part on our choices.
If we, like Jacob’s sons, allow our own proud or stubborn or rebellious characters to guide us, we will inherit a future like them.
But if we humbly choose to follow the Lord, love and obey Him, then He will work out His good purpose in and through us.
Jacob’s words to his sons, Jesus’ words to His disciples, are not warm fuzzy words, but they are important invitations and warnings to think about the lives we choose to live.

PRAYER:
Lord, I know that I have ‘character’ issues like Jacob’s sons, and I know You have a purpose for me, like Peter. Help me to choose to follow You, and live wisely!