A few years ago, I was at a conference where the speaker was introduced as a “futurist.” I had never heard of that as a job title before. A futurist is someone who analyzes data and trends to forecast what might happen in different areas of life such as technology, government, or medicine. Humans have always desired a glimpse into what the future holds.

In Genesis 49, Jacob gathered his sons to share one final message (v. 1). He introduced his speech by declaring that he would “tell you what will happen to you in the days to come” (v. 1). His speech described the future tribes of Israel and some of their qualities. The sons are grouped by their mutual mothers and then listed in their birth order.

The first three sons are told why they will not be considered as the firstborn. Reuben engaged in sexual sin (v. 3). Simeon and Levi violently overreacted to the crime committed against their sister by killing many (Gen. 34:25–31). But while Judah had his own issues, he had demonstrated repentance and a changed life. Jacob prophesied that Judah will be a leader among the tribes of Israel. He declared, “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” (v. 10). Jacob here tells of a Messianic king who will rule over the nations. The New Testament writers affirm that this prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus (Rev. 5:5).

Just as God has been faithful to keep His promises to Abraham, we can be confident that He will keep His promises to us regarding the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming when He will rule over the nations! Jesus said, “Yes, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:20). To which we can respond, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

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