Today’s verse speaks of Jesus. Jesus was a descendent of Judah. Judah was one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the patriarch of the Jewish people. As these brothers gathered around their dying father, could they imagine that he was predicting the coming of the Savior?

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler‘s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him.

Genesis 49:10

When Jacob gave his prophetic blessing, if his sons were expecting to hear about their great futures, some of them were disappointed. Jacob believed in telling it like it is and some of their futures were not good because of past behavior. He predicted Reuben’s failure, Simeon and Levi’s dispersion throughout Israel, and Issachar’s enslavement. Jacob gave the rest of them more promising prophecies. Concerning Judah’s future, Jacob prophesied not only for his son, but for all people through all time.

God knows the span of history from beginning to end. Praise Him for His beautiful plan of salvation in His Son, and the opportunity you have to come before Him in confidence. Knowing that your persistent prayer will be answered, bring this nation before the Father and ask for His mercy and grace to be extended to its leaders and citizens.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 22:31-45