GENESIS 49 HE BLESSED THEM They came from their different places of abode leaving their work, for the time had come for Jacob to die. The twelve sons and their father are together for the last time. The blessing that would confer a sense of well-being and perhaps prosperity on each one was about to be given. As I saw those men stand before their father, I wondered what their attitude towards his words would be. Our past does affect our future. Our attitude affects our actions. Tomorrow's blessings will be affected by our actions of today. And by tomorrow the actions of today will be part of my history which will be part of what shapes my future. In the same way the decisions and consequent actions of those men provided the basis for their blessing. The things I avoid or choose will determine my course in the future.
Some of the men heard in the presence of their brothers the negative consequences of their actions. They may have felt at the time that no one knew what they did. Or perhaps they thought their actions were justified. Whatever the reason they did what they did, it affected them and the future of those around them. A morally weak person who sneaks about or else whines about all the things that are against him, doesn't have a whole lot to recommend him to others. People of a bitter spirit and dark cruel disposition and who act with cruelty towards others, cannot expect to be blessed themselves. Violence produces violence and they will be avoided by those who want to live in peace. At the same time although one may have failed in so many ways, God does recognize the fact that when one changes their attitude and that change is real, that person can become an especially positive force among his people. Another may have a quiet and reflective personality and the blessing he receives will enable him to make his living in a way that is suitable to him, and at the same time be a comfort to others of a similar personality.
A man may have a nature that wants to, and is able to, work unceasingly. Every waking hour he feels the need to be bearing a burden or doing hard work that others may want to avoid. He will be successful and will feel good about what he has done. There is another type of person who is strict, law-abiding and without a sense of humor, who abides studiously by every law, and watches to see that others do too. He has a tendency to be critical and legalistic to a fault. Another may want to be everybody's friend. He trusts people he doesn't know and will find himself robbed by them, but will not leave them alone and will be a continual bother to those who did him wrong. Some people have Epicurean tastes and like to think of themselves as high society. They may live above their means but appearances are important to them. They have a desire to impress people hoping that it will open doors for them to be truly looked up to. When one is self-absorbed, they may be a beautiful person occupied with themselves and their looks to the extent they have very little to offer others that is profitable in any way.
Then there is a person who knows who they are, why they are here and who does not let adversity turn him away from his faith in God. He has difficulties and struggles in life that seem unfair, but he draws near to
God because of these obstacles. The battles that he has to pass through make him stronger in faith and mighty in the things of God. Other people are blessed by him and because of him. But he may have a spoiled brother who is never satisfied. Nothing pleases him. He never has enough. He was spoiled as a child and is spoiled as an adult. The predictions of his future are bleak because he will be perpetually unhappy and so will those who are around him.
I was made aware of the fact that God knows every person and personality. He knows all about the past, the present and the future. The lesson that most stands out to me is that a person has the ability within them to change for the better, and God recognizes that desire to change.
As Jacob finished his blessing of his sons, I wondered how each of them felt as they left his presence. Would they have changed because of what they heard about themselves? Would they have gone home happy or sad? Would they have taken seriously what the old man said? I could review in my mind those I know and some take my counsel seriously. Others reject it or laugh behind my back at the things I have said thinking I am naive and old-fashioned. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - and my God too, help them to honor Him.
It is not always easy to be told the truth - Because the truth may have a tendency to hurt. But when something is said that is truly worth My listening and heeding, that is a start To learning a lesson or lessons in life That will ultimately stand me in good stead. Truth has unique character and that is light, And that light will show me the way ahead.
I may not like what I hear about me, But I am wise if I lend a good ear - To what someone else is able to see - And is willing to tell me where Some changes are in order that I Can be more effective in my calling. Such a friend is able to tell my why And how I can be kept by God from falling.
It is a real blessing when God, someone uses To awaken my conscience and will - To learn of God Himself and what He chooses To produce other blessings still. For our lives are not to be lived for self alone, But for other's benefit and God's glory. When the review is given in a sentence when I am done, I wonder how God will sum up my life's story.
Everything that I do from day to day, Has an effect for good or for bad; All the things I write and the things I say - Are indicative of the things I have had To use for the Lord that He can bless - That the work of His kingdom may be furthered. It is my desire that some people might confess That in some way I have them nurtured.
"All knowing God, there is sort of a fear and trepidation in me as I think of the day of review that is coming. My concern for today is that all might not be wood, hay or stubble, but that there will be some gold, silver and precious stones come from Thy servant. May these meditations and the ones through the rest of this day, be something You can bless. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."