Advent Journey - Following the Seed From Eden to Bethlehem Sample

Day 11

NOT WHAT YOU THINK

Judah (23)

One thing we learn about the path of the Seed: God does not always choose the logical path – at least not from our perspective.

If I were to choose the path of the Seed from the twelve sons of Jacob, I would choose Joseph - a man of impeccable character, with an impressive faith and work resumé. He saved his family from a famine – even after they kidnapped and sold him years earlier.

But God didn’t route the Seed through Joseph. God chose Judah, one of the older brothers (one of the kidnappers!)

Years after the kidnapping, Joseph rose to power in Egypt (fascinating story covering Genesis chapters 37, 39-47).

During a dreadful famine in Canaan, Jacob sent his dysfunctional sons to Egypt to buy food. Their shocking encounter with Joseph set up an eventual family reunion – the brothers returned home to get Jacob and went back to live with Joseph in Egypt. 

This detour to Egypt is a monumental pivot for the Seed – a survival measure orchestrated by God to keep the Seed alive. 

Just before Jacob died he delivered a blessing to each of his twelve sons. Judah’s blessing reveals God’s chosen path for the Seed. 

The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him (Genesis 49:10).

The tribe of Judah would be represented by a line of kings…an eventual king who’s reign will never end – King Jesus! 

Jesus came from the Tribe of Judah. Judah’s legacy echoes into the future. 

Judah’s actual life story was quite an embarrassment to the family tree. His legacy was not defined by honor or faith or leadership or military exploits. Instead Judah was known for one of the Bible’s classic family scandals (you’ll see tomorrow). 

And the Advent Journey continues … 

Reflections:

As a child growing up in church, I remember singing songs about “Father Abraham” and the “tribe of Judah.” I had no idea the significance of these men as direct ancestors to Jesus. 

How does tracking the Seed through the patriarchs help you to better appreciate the ancestry of Christ?