In this sermon on Genesis 49:1–28, in which Jacob blesses his sons, Pastor Luke Herche shows us that God has a plan, life is still hard, character matters, history has a goal, and you have a choice.

Part of a series on the book of Genesis.

From Sunday Worship, November 16, 2025.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Which son’s destiny—whether good, bad, or ambiguous—stands out to you most vividly, and what specific detail from their story in Genesis 49 or the sermon really drives home Jacob’s point?

How have you personally experienced the tension between resting in God’s plan (“It’s all in his hands”) and actively taking responsibility for your actions and choices (“I have a choice”) in your daily life?

History’s true goal is the Messiah, Jesus, who secures a destiny of abundance and new creation through his sacrifice. How does trusting in Jesus’ substitutionary exchange—that his perfect righteousness secures your future—free you from the fear that your own failures will ultimately determine your eternal destiny?

The tribe of Levi was cursed for their violent character, but later redeemed their identity by channeling that zeal for the Lord’s service. Where in your own life is there a strong personality trait or “bent” that you recognize as a potential danger but believe the Holy Spirit could reorient? What would it look like to use who you are this week for God and his glory?

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All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.