As Moses pronounces blessings on each of the tribes, each blessing calls to mind that God knows each of us intimately. He knows not only the things we have done, but the things we will do. He knows our propensity for certain types of temptations.
These blessings echo many of the blessings or statements made by Jacob/Israel on his death bed regarding each of his sons and their descendants, and since both books were inscribed by Moses, that isn’t surprising.
Notice that these proclamations don’t include any pronouncement of judgment. These are mere statements of fact, not endorsements or critiques. God knew all the failures of Israel, yet still chose to use this tribe to bring about the salvation of the world by sending His Son through the tribe of Judah. He knew how many ways they would fail to keep His Law, yet He chose to redeem them time after time from exile.
When someone consistently lies to me, betrays me, mocks me, or injures me, at some point I’m done. I know what Jesus teaches us about forgiveness, but that is much easier said than done. We’re prone to find a limit to the forgiveness we offer. But God, in His infinite mercy, continues to wait patiently for all who will come to turn to Him.
Many of my friends have posted about various prophecies being fulfilled this weekend. Many preachers have proclaimed the return of the Lord. But truly God is patient and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish.
Will Jesus return? Absolutely. Should we be prepared for His return? Every single day. Every hour. Every moment. We should live in eager expectation, while also ministering to, praying for, and sharing God’s love with those who do not yet know the joy of our salvation.
Just as God foretold Israel’s future, just as He knew each of the tribes intimately, He knows you and I as well.
These blessings echo many of the blessings or statements made by Jacob/Israel on his death bed regarding each of his sons and their descendants, and since both books were inscribed by Moses, that isn’t surprising.
Notice that these proclamations don’t include any pronouncement of judgment. These are mere statements of fact, not endorsements or critiques. God knew all the failures of Israel, yet still chose to use this tribe to bring about the salvation of the world by sending His Son through the tribe of Judah. He knew how many ways they would fail to keep His Law, yet He chose to redeem them time after time from exile.
When someone consistently lies to me, betrays me, mocks me, or injures me, at some point I’m done. I know what Jesus teaches us about forgiveness, but that is much easier said than done. We’re prone to find a limit to the forgiveness we offer. But God, in His infinite mercy, continues to wait patiently for all who will come to turn to Him.
Many of my friends have posted about various prophecies being fulfilled this weekend. Many preachers have proclaimed the return of the Lord. But truly God is patient and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish.
Will Jesus return? Absolutely. Should we be prepared for His return? Every single day. Every hour. Every moment. We should live in eager expectation, while also ministering to, praying for, and sharing God’s love with those who do not yet know the joy of our salvation.
Just as God foretold Israel’s future, just as He knew each of the tribes intimately, He knows you and I as well.
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