Genesis 49 - Measure of a Life

If you interviewed random people on the street and asked them what should be the measure of a man's life, they might say things like a long life, wealth, power, leisure and the like. If you stood outside a church they might say good works, or integrity or noble character. 

The Westminster catechism says that the chief end of man is to glorify God. Jacob here in his last days calls his sons together to give them his blessing. Because he has received word from God about the future of each tribe of Israel, he passes this down to his sons. 

Some sons like Reuben, Simeon and Levi receive harsh words forecasting a future of hardship and cursing. But in this passage we see Judah prophetically named as the tribe through whom the Messiah would come. Each child receives something from his father. Jacob's legacy would pass from generation to generation expanding Jacob's  influence even to today. 

The measure of our life here on earth is not the stuff we accumulate but the blessing we leave in the lives of the people we touch. Are there people with whom you have shared the gospel? Are there people who needed a word of comfort and encouragement that you have blessed?  Our days here are short, but our influence can go with us into eternity if we will bless others. 

Blessing others will not pave your way to Heaven - that is a free gift of God to those who will agree with Him and admit they are a sinner and have no hope of salvation apart from his provision and accept Jesus as that provision for their souls.  But in blessing others we open a door for witness and draw others to the same hope that we have found in Jesus inviting them to join us in this eternal joy. 

How are you spending your life?  Is it to gain wealth, stuff, power or leisure?  These won't last my friend. If you are the Lord's you have a vast treasure the world needs and is ours to share. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord, you are utterly bankrupt and dead in your sin. Life awaits you if you will call on him to save you. 

Spend your life wisely today as you serve The Lord God who made you and who saved you from the penalty of sin. We are alive today because of Him!  

May God richly bless you as you bless others!