Genesis 49:1-28 (Part 1)

Introduction

Blessings?

“…in days to come”

“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10)

I. Reuben—The First Will Be Last (cf. 35:22)

Strive for…holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. (Heb. 12:14-17)

II. Simeon & Levi—The Cursed Will Be Turned Into a Blessing (cf. 34:1ff)

Conclusion

• Your ultimate destiny is not determined by fate or your father’s sins (Jer. 18:6–11; Eze. 18:4-20; Ex. 32:26)

• In Christ, we see the last become first and the cursed become a blessing

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. (Gal. 3:13-14)