Bibledoorajar Applauds the Stouthearted And Warns Beasts of Burden

Jacob/Israel continues to focus on the futures of the seed of the women in his life. To continue his focus on Leah, he calls forth Zebulon and Issachar and speaks with them. For the tribe of Zebulon, Jacob says they will become a haven for ships. They indeed settled between the Mediterranean and the Sea of Galilee. If they looked at the east they saw sea. If they looked to the west they saw sea. Thus, Zebulon's tribe became a haven for ships. The birth of this sixth son to Leah established in her mind a more glorious dwelling place with Jacob. And indeed Jacob did give her a place of honor when he buried her near his final dwelling place. Zebulon and his people would also be given a place of honor and they became known for their industry and faithfulness in times of trouble. When David's army needed recruits Zebulon sent more soldiers than all of the other tribes. And the Bible says they were stouthearted and courageous not falling out of rank (See 1 Chron. 12:33). Later, Jesus would also settle near the Sea of Galilee. There He remained the most stouthearted and courageous of them all. May we all follow our King as did Zebulon theirs.

                     Truehearted, wholehearted, faithful and loyal
                     King of our lives, by Thy grace we will be
                     Under the standard exalted and royal
                     Strong in Thy strength we will battle for Thee.
                                             George Stebbins

Now Issachar was to be a strong donkey. There were lots of them. According to a census in Numbers, they were third in size of all the tribes at that time of numbering. Jacob had said that this "donkey" would shoulder burden, but unlike Zebulon, they would have a tendency to quit when the going got tough. They were for hire, but if things got too tough they could get pretty "donkey like" and refuse to go on preferring the "rest that was good and the land that was pleasant." Most of the time the donkey is used to shoulder a burden and becomes enslaved to the will of its' master. The tribe of Issachar was strong and had a good land assigned to them but they did not like to fight for it. When I feel like a burdened down donkey, I try to envision Christ triumphantly riding with me. He will provide strength to complete the task if I will but yield to Him. With Him, I can go all they way for a triumphal entry into Glory!

Bibledoorajar: Strong and Courageous and Highly Productive

 We have been eavesdropping on Jacob/Israel blessing each of his sons. When Israel came to Leah's fourth son, Judah(praise), he bestowed a wonderful blessing. Jacob/Israel declared that this Judah would be a lion, powerful and strong to lead and to destroy enemies. Also the tribe would be a productive and fruitful one, greatly admired by the other tribes. From this tribe would come Israel's kings and Israel further said that this authority would never leave the tribe until Shiloh(the Man of Rest) came. The tribe of Judah went on to produce many kings that led and called for obedience by the strength of the sword. They had vineyards planted and their produce from the land was paramount. But when Shiloh came from this tribe, war and blood as a part of Judah's authority would end. At that time kingship, productivity and fruitfulness would take on spiritual dimensions. Shiloh would be the Lion of Judah according to Israel but He would come in like a cub lion. His authority would go forth by His words and it would be heard and obeyed throughout the lands as others spread the words. Obedience would come as a result of preaching not physical power. When Peter attempted to gain authority in the Garden through the power of the sword Jesus put a stop to it. Shiloh's kingdom was to be distinguished from the other kingdoms of this world. At first it would appear that the "cub lion" was weak and would be conquered by his enemies. But Israel said NO! He would descend into seeming defeat but the blessing of his death would be declared over and over by the preachers and the reality of the Coming King in Glory would be believed and the promises would be accepted and obeyed throughout eternity. What a wonderful blessing Jacob/Israel gave to "Praise." Maybe you need to praise the Father for preachers today who share these words with you. Where would the Kingdom be without them?

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers...."  Ephesians 4:11

Bibledoor Celebrates Blessings

While we are in the midst of reviewing Israel's predictions about the clans his sons would generate, Bibledoorajar is on the road celebrating Rebecca's 70th with family and friends. This morning I awoke high up in a tower located in a Bed and Breakfast in East Texas. Today, I am grateful for a good friend who arranged this wonderful blessing and to the Father who has granted me these 70 years. I feel good and with His grace hope to keep on sharing about Him and His wonderful ways for some time to come. Like Jacob/Israel my travels will come to an end one day though and I will share the same promise Joseph gave Israel: "Yes, I will take you to the Land of Promise." How could I not feel blessed and be happy about that Greater Promise from the Son even as I look out and down on the piney woods of East Texas? I trust you share that Promise with me. If not, why not now? It was a great blessing of God that Joseph was able to go into the foreign land of Egypt and maintain his allegiance to the God of his fathers and expose the Gentiles to Him. And further, how great for him to realize that he was being used for God's purposes. But greater still is the blessing of the Holy Son being willing to give up royal rights and come to earth to expose His Father to us. Because of the Father....because of the Father....because of the Father. Thank you Father.