Greetings members and friends and welcome to another commentary and preview to this Sunday’s study of the Word. This Sunday’s study text is entitled “The Scepter Given To Judah” and it is based on Genesis 35:22-26; 38:24-26, 49:10-12.
A scepter is a rod-like object that is a symbol of authority usually associated with a monarchy. Today’s study introduces a monarchy into the Abrahamic lineage.
Just as his father before him, Israel issued pronouncements and observations upon his twelve sons before he died. You can see what they all are in Genesis 49. The one he gave to Judah turned out to be prophetic and is the focus on one of the study passages.
He said that a permanent ruler shall come from Judah who shall be the head of the family. It is from the tribe of Judah that David, Solomon and Jesus all came. Jesus is the final everlasting eternal King of the Abrahamic line. His blood and sacrifice has made salvation possible for all humanity for all time.
One of the points of the study text which was chosen is to show that Israel’s family was not perfect, but God was able to use them in spite of their missteps. Israel’s oldest son, Reuben bedded his wife Rachel’s handmaid who was the mother of two of Israel’s son Dan and Naphtali.
The text also informs us that Judah, Israel’s son to whom the scepter would belong, unknowingly bedded his daughter-in-law which resulted in her becoming pregnant. There are other incidents and missteps Israel’s sons committed that are not part of the study text.
The point is that God can use imperfect humanity to accomplish His goals. Yet God expects the best of His children and nothing but their best is acceptable to Him. Their best may not always be without controversy or misgivings, but God sees and looks at their hearts and motivation.
This is not to say anything about Israel or his son’s heart or motivations. God had and has a plan of redemption for humanity and Israel and his sons were and are part of that plan.
Well, be sure to look over the study again and come prepared to offer your comments, questions and perspective on the meaning of the study. If you can’t attend your own Sunday School class this Sunday, you can join us live and online at 9:00 am at www.fbmbc.org and clicking the online services link.
You can also join us live by dialing 508 924-2890. If you have any comments or questions, be sure to place them in the comment section or you can share them on Sunday. So, let’s all have a great lesson and discussion this Sunday and remember to fear God and keep His commandments.
Pastor Jordan
