JACOB BLESSED

Introduction:

A. What Vision Do We Have Of The Future?

B. Are We Envisioning God's Future Or Ours?

Body: Hebrews 11: 21

I. Jacob Blessed His Children.

A. By faith.

B. Strength failing, he leaned on a staff.

C. Died following the blessings.

II. The Blessings (Genesis 49).

A. Rueben (See a son).

1. The actual firstborn.
2. Would not excel.

B. Simeon (Hearing) and Levi (Attached).

1. Lacked control of their temper.
2. They would be scattered among Israel.

C. Judah (Celebrated; praise).

1. Received the blessing of a firstborn.
2. Royalty would come from him.

D. Zebulun (Habitation).

1. Would live by the sea.
2. Would be a haven for ships.

E. Issachar (He will bring a reward).

1. He would waste his strength.
2. They would become slaves.

F. Dan (Judge).

1. He would judge his people.
2. He will be a crafty attacker.

G. Gad (Troop).

1. He will be trampled.
2. He would eventually triumph.

H. Asher (Happy).

1. He would be rich,
2. He shall produce delicacies.

I. Naphtali (My wrestling).

1. He is a graceful deer.
2. He is a beautiful speaker.

J. Joseph (Let him add; adding) [see also Genesis 48].

1. He will be fruitful.
2. He will be blessed.

K. Benjamin (Son of the right hand).

1. He will be a fierce fighter.
2. He will be victorious.

Conclusion:

A. Jacob Saw A Future For His Children.

B. The Future He Saw Was "Colored" By His Faith.