A Blessing Suitable to Us
At the end of the book of Genesis, we see the great patriarch of Israel - Jacob (Israel) - blessing his sons. Chapter 49 documents the words that Jacob speaks over his sons, one by one. It is odd to us at more than a few points, because in blessing his sons he says things like, "'Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company'" (vv 5-6a). This isn't what we think of when we consider the word blessing, is it?
Immediately after the blessing section, however, we see the key for understanding what we have just read - and it's something that, if we are alert, might well give us cause to examine ourselves:
"All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him." (v 28)
It is natural to look at the actions of many of the people in Scripture and point out their flaws. (In fact, come to think of it, it's natural to look at the actions of those around us today and do the same thing!) We have an interest in not examining ourselves, don't we? At least, our flesh (sin nature) has an interest in avoiding serious and honest self-examination. Yet we get the idea that serious and honest self-examination are actually vital to our spiritual health:
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13.5)
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called...." (Ephesians 4.1)
Based on the verse at the end of Genesis 49, we should ask ourselves the question, "If I were to receive what is suitable to me, what would it be?" In other words, would we receive words that encourage us because we have lived in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ, or would it be said of us, "O my glory, be not joined in their company?" What is the blessing that would be suitable to you?
At base, what is suitable to each of us without exception is the condemnation of hell for our wicked rebellion against the perfect and holy God. It is only ever in Christ, and Christ alone - clinging to Him in faith and repentance (turning from our sins) - that we have salvation. And the glorious promise in our salvation is the process of sanctification, by which we are made more and more like Jesus in the way we live. THis is what we're called to examine.
The book of Ephesians - in which we find the preceding exhortation - gives us a fantastic guide for such self-examination. The first three chapters are filled with magnificent theological truths that form the foundation for biblical self-examination. Because of the theological realities of Who God is, we find our grounding for how we are to live, which is why the last three chapters are filled with exhortations and admonishions for biblical living, including relational health.
I would invite you to make use of the PDF below, which is a walk-through Ephesians look at where you are spiritually. By prayer-full, honest self-examination illuminated by the Holy Spirit, you will have a much clearer understanding of where you need to plead with God to advance your sancitfication. With a more pointed focus for worshiping God in all of life, may you be encouraged in your walk with Him, and may His glory be advanced in His Church!
Click on the link below for the PDF:
