December 8

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?” Genesis 49:8-9 ESV

As Jacob came to the end of his life, he called his sons to his side so that he may bless them. Together they make up the twelve tribes of Israel and we will see the different roles of each tribe foreshadowed in these words.

Though he was the fourth-born son, Judah receives the blessing of leadership. He is compared to a lion—a symbol of kings. From this lineage we see two kings of note, one of which whose authority will not end.

Centuries later, the promise took on flesh. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is the Lion of Judah. He is the One who carries the scepter and the ruler’s staff. Through him shall be the obedience of the peoples. He will be a ruler like no other.

During Advent we await with hope the blessing of the coming King. He came once and died for our sins, rose again, and overcame death for us all. By putting our faith in him, we allow him to restore what is broken, forgive what is sinful, and offer peace for our tears. God keeps his promises and He will come again.

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to see how your plan for our redemption unfolded over centuries. Thank you for the Lion of Judah who overcame sin and death with the sacrifice of his perfect life upon the cross. Strengthen my belief, quiet my fears, and make my heart ready to welcome the coming King this Advent. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.