JTR
Monday, December 15, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
The Vision (12.12.25): The scepter shall not depart from Judah
Image: Snow covered branches, North Garden, Virginia, December 2025.
Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on Genesis 49.
The
scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from beneath his feet,
until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be (Genesis
49:10).
In
Genesis 49 Jacob offers a prophetic blessing upon his sons who will form the twelve
tribes of Israel. The blessing on Judah (vv. 8-12) is a prophecy of Christ.
Judah’s
name means “praise.” From him would come the kingly line. Jacob says he will be
at the neck of his enemies (v. 8b). His father’s children will bow down before
him, just as they had bowed to Joseph (v. 8b).
His
sign is a lion (v. 9). The ancient Hebrews also knew this animal as king of the
beasts, the most powerful and fearsome.
Then
Jacob prophesies that the scepter of rule shall not depart from Judah, nor a
lawgiver from his feet (from his line of descent), until Shiloh come. Some
suggest the name “Shiloh” means the peacemaker or Saviour (M. Poole). One
commentator called it a “cryptogram” meaning “Messiah” (MacArthur Study Bible).
From
Judah would come King David, and his descendants would rule in one form or
another all the way up to the time when Herod the Idumean (Edomite) was made
the King of the Jews by the Romans. And who was born then? The Lord Jesus
Christ, Shiloh, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
In John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 5:5 one of the elders says to him,
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” But when John looks he sees “a Lamb
as it had been slain” (v. 6).
Jacob
says, “and unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (v. 10b). This means
all his elect people, Jew and Gentile.
In
v. 11 it says he washed his garments in wine. This figure anticipates the
shedding of his blood in his atoning death on the cross. We see this in
Revelation 19 when John sees Christ as a victorious champion riding on a white
horse in his second coming, “clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his
name is called The Word of God” (v. 13).
In
Genesis 49:12 it adds his eyes shall be red with wine. This does not mean
bloodshot but that the pupil of his eye will be full and dark, a sign of extraordinary
health and vigor. And his teeth white as milk, pure and strong.
This
is the apex of Jacob’s prophetic blessing. It points us toward the Lord Jesus
Christ, our Redeemer! He came from the line of Judah through King David, in the
fullness of time, born in Bethlehem.
Grace
and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
Monday, December 08, 2025
Friday, December 05, 2025
The Vision (12.5.25): Behold I die: but God shall be with you
Image: Snowy country lane. North Garden, Virginia. December 2025.
Note: Devotion taken from last Sunday's sermon on Genesis 48.
“And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold I die: but God shall be
with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers” (Genesis 48:21).
Genesis 48 describes how Jacob (Israel) on his sick bed blessed
Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. Paul said in Romans 15:4 that all the
Scriptures were given for our learning that we through the patience and comfort
of them might have hope. Here are three lessons from Genesis 48:
First, we learn from the model faith and piety of Jacob.
Though in the land of Egypt, he still trusted in the promises
the LORD had made to him (48:4).
He acknowledged God had done more for him than he ever could
have asked or imagined, He had not only seen Joseph again but also Joseph’s
sons (v. 11).
He acknowledged that God had fed him “all my life long unto
this day” (v. 15).
He desired to direct his son and even his grandsons to share
in the covenant blessing which he and his fathers had known.
Second, we learn about the sovereign election of God.
Through Jacob, the Lord chose to bless Ephraim above Manasseh,
even though Ephraim was the second born (vv. 14-20).
This recalls the teaching about election in Romans. In Romans
9:13, Paul writes, “As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I
hated.” Likewise, in Romans 9:18 Paul said the Lord has mercy upon whom he wills,
and whom he wills he hardens.
Those are examples of Biblical teaching on election to
salvation, but there is also election to service, which may be more appropriate
to Ephraim and Manasseh. God chooses whom he will among his saints to serve in
various ways and to bless as he sees fit. Ours is not to wonder why, but to
serve gladly wherever he places us with contentedness.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul noted that God chose him to plant
churches and Apollos to water or nurture them, but it was God alone who gave
the increase.
Ephraim had one role
and Manasseh another, just as Paul had one role and Apollos another, just as
each of us have our own roles of service as sovereignly chosen by God.
So let us rest in his wisdom and do our duty.
Finally, we learn about the Immanuel promise of God to his people,
that He will be with us and with those who come behind us.
Jacob knew that he would soon die, but God would continue to be
with his children (v. 21). As the prophet Isaiah puts it, “The grass withereth,
the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isa 40:8).
One generation passes away and another arises (Ecc 1:4). But Jesus
Christ is the same yesterday, today, and for ever (Heb 13:8). The one who lived
a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day
told his disciples before he ascended, “and lo, I am with you alway, even unto
the end of the world. Amen” (Matt 28:20).
Christ is always with us!
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle
Thursday, December 04, 2025
Tuesday, December 02, 2025
Monday, December 01, 2025
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