The First Born Messes Up

O.T. #73  "The First Born Messes Up" 
June 20, 2013
Genesis 35-Part 3
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah
his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 
Genesis 35:22

LET IT GLOW

Does it really matter, the order in which you were born? It did back in the Old Testament days. Maybe it doesn't so much now a days. but it did back then. I am the youngest of three children,
so I was called the baby of the family. Ugh! Here I am, almost 60 years old and still the baby of
the family. I wasn't so bad growing up. I got away with a lot of things that my older siblings didn't.
he he! Well, today, we aren't talking about the last born child, but the first-born child in Jacob's
tribe of 12 children. He messed up big time. Are you interested? Read on friends.

First, let's talk about something good. In verses 23-26, we read of the twelve sons of Jacob. They are listed according to their mothers instead of chronologically. They are presented according to legal priorities. Things changed because of one single act by Reuben, found in verse 22. However, grace abounds. We'll discuss it in a few minutes.

According to Revelation 21:12, the New Jerusalem will have a great and high wall with 12 gates,
and the names of the 12 tribes of the children of Israel are written on these gates.

How fantastic is that! This chosen and blessed family, with all its messes, will have that recognition for eternity. God has a plan and is working that plan. In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the
Lion of the tribe of Judah. We're talking about the Messiah-Jesus Christ, the Son of God. What an honor for them. Aren't you happy for them? And to think, spiritually, we are sons and daughters of Abraham, brothers and sisters of Jesus. And we get to live in that new city prepared for Jerusalem.
The King of kings and Lord of lords will be reigning there. Wow! I can hardly wait to see and experience it. And this King Jesus will know my name. How humbling! Glory to Your Name,
sweet Jesus!

Will Jesus call your name in heaven? Better make sure today that He will. Death can be closer than we think.


LET IT GROW

There is sin in the camp. Reuben, the eldest son, had sex with Bilhah, his father's concubine, the mother of Dan and Naphtali, the handmaid of Jacob's wife Rachel. This shocking act changed everything for Reuben the rest of his life.

Referring to chapter 49, Liberty Bible Commentary describes the situation this way:

Jacob's first-born was a cause both of rejoicing and heartache. He should have received both the birthright (which went to Judah) and the blessing (to Joseph), and he lost them both! His father called him unstable as water, which literally means a boiling over of water, a vivid metaphor for unstable emotions. History gives witness that Reuben never did influence the nation of Israel significantly after his fornication with Bilhah. No prophet, judge, or hero ever came from this tribe; and when Isaiah lamented for the land east of Jordan in Isaiah 15, he only mentioned Moab.

Leah was Reuben's mother, who was Rachel's sister, and Jacob's first wife. You recall that Jacob
was tricked by Laban after working 7 years for Rachel. Laban gave Leah to Jacob instead of his beloved Rachel.

Not only are there sorrows in the family of the dedicated believer, but there are also sins. Sin never brings blessing; it is always costly. (Wiersbe)

How many years has this story of Reuben's mess up been read and told?

Pleasure may be for the night, but the consequences come in the morning. Why don't we stop and think about what we are doing? Why don't we consider how our actions and words effect others?

LET IT GO

Resist temptations to sin.

Stop and think about the consequences of my words and actions and how they effect others.

Thank You Jesus for letting me be in Your family.

Trust Him for my present and future.

*I'm packing and getting ready for our mission trip to the Dominican Republic tomorrow. I'm trying to continue writing lessons before I leave.
We will meet up with the first team, who is already doing ESL classes and evening services in various churches in the northwest region of the island. Please remember us daily in your prayers.
I will be teaching Sunday School at 2 different churches to children on Sunday. Then, teaching
VBS lessons to children for the next 3 days. I ask for the Holy Spirit's direction and salvation of
all those who hear the gospel this week.
I'm not sure if we will have access to internet where we will be, so probably I won't be updating
my experiences.However, check in daily just in case. Others may have the knowledge and
availability.
I love you all and appreciate your faithfulness to read my writings. I feel like you are going with
me on this trip where my country road goes. We're excited with anticipation as we depend upon
the Lord Jesus and go in grace.

Serving in Jesus' Name,
Linda