Genesis 49:1-28: The Lion of Judah

Jacob gathers his twelve sons for his final prophetic blessing—though for some, it sounds more like judgment. Reuben loses his preeminence, Simeon and Levi are scattered for their violence. But when Jacob reaches Judah, the prophecy soars: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him." This messianic promise identifies the tribe from which David and ultimately Christ would come. Each son receives words that will shape their tribal destiny. Some are difficult to understand, but all are part of God's sovereign plan. The dying patriarch speaks not his own wishes but God's revealed will for the future of His people.

The Rev. Bryan Stecker, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, MN, joins guest host Rev. Dustin Beck of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX to study Genesis 49:1-28.

To learn more about Triinity Lutheran, visit www.trinitywaconia.org.

Genesis isn’t just the start of the Bible; it’s the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal.

In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you’ve read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.