“Jacob called his sons and said: ‘Gather around, that I may tell you what is to happen to you in days to come.’ ” —Genesis 49:1
Jacob (Israel) had death-bed prophecies for each of his twelve sons. He blessed Judah, the lion (49:9), and Joseph, the colt (49:22), but prophesied that the other brothers would reap the wages of their sins (Rm 6:23). He compared Issachar to an ass (49:14), Dan to a serpent and horned viper (49:16-17), Naphtali to a hind (49:21), and Benjamin to a “ravenous wolf” (49:27). What animal would Jacob use to describe your life? Why?
Prayer: Father, make me aware of the most important Scripture passage for my life’s mission.
Promise: “All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said about them, as he bade them farewell and gave to each of them an appropriate message.” —49:28