2023_03_03 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Genesis 32, Romans 9, Genesis 49, Galatians 4
I’ve been listening lately to The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S Lewis, in the car with my children. In the story, there is a lion named Aslan who is strong, courageous, fierce, and self-sacrificing. This character is used to symbolize Jesus, The Lion of Judah. Lions are commonly used to suggest a connection with Jesus, and the first time we get a glimpse of this is in Genesis 49.
Jacob is on his deathbed and gathers his sons around him to bless them. Judah is the fourth-born son, but Jacob elevates his position and gives him a blessing of leadership which is usually reserved for the firstborn.
“You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down like a lioness-who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” Genesis 49:9-10
God chooses the tribe of Judah to carry the lineage of Jesus, and this is interesting because Judah is not without sin. Judah wants to profit from the sale of Joseph in Genesis 37 and is sexually promiscuous with his daughter-in-law in Genesis 38. But all this points to God’s grace being available to us who don’t deserve it. The blood of Jesus is powerful enough to cover every one of our sins and also breaks the hold that generational sin may have on our families.
The prophecy that Jacob spoke over Judah (Genesis 49: 9-12) was partially fulfilled when Jesus came as the Messiah, but it will not be fully satisfied until the enemy has been defeated at the end of time. Revelation 5:5 says:
“Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
From Genesis to Revelation, the story of God’s great goodness and faithfulness to us is displayed.
What a redemption story!
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead