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