A Hope of Kingship

Genesis 49:8-12

Verse 10 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.

Jacob was at the end of his life and had seen the fulfillment of portions of God’s promise. He had watched his family grow and now was blessing them before he died. His blessing on his son, Judah, was prophetic as it establishes the fact that it would be from Judah’s descendants that Israel’s kings would come.

At this point the only king that the family really had was God. Yes, the various lands that they inhabited had kings that ruled but it was not until over 500 years later that they would actually have a physical king as the head of their nation. The first king that was to rule over them wasn’t even from Judah’s line but rather from the line of Benjamin. But God didn’t break His promise to Judah, He would keep it in His time and way.

This prophecy to Judah wasn’t really about the kings that would reign over the land and people when they entered the Promised Land. This was a prophecy much bigger than that as it pointed to many generations in the future and spoke of the King that would be born in that manger in Bethlehem. The true hope of having a king was that there would come a King that would rule in a way that there would bring obedience from many nations. This was a prophecy about how Jesus wasn’t just going to be the King of Abraham’s descendants but also the King of people from every nation. The King in whom all hope could be placed.

Making It Personal

This prophecy speaks to how Jesus is to be the King of all His people’s hearts, is He the King on the throne of your heart? What is the proof in your life that He is your King? In what way do you need to submit to Him as King today?

Making It Personal Kids

What does it mean to make Jesus King of your heart? Do you have Jesus as your King? What proof is in your life that Jesus is your King?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be King.Help us to submit to His authority daily in our lives.May those around us know who our King is.In Jesus’ name, amen.