WEBVTT 00:00:00.520 --> 00:00:08.279 Please do take a seat and perhaps we could open our Bibles again to Genesis 49 and 50. 00:00:10.519 --> 00:00:13.859 Are you pleased to know we're not going to go through these chapters in forensic detail 00:00:13.859 --> 00:00:16.920 because some of us do need to go to work on Monday. 00:00:18.059 --> 00:00:25.199 So I just want to pick out three very simple truths that I think we can take from this passage to encourage us. 00:00:26.460 --> 00:00:28.179 But I thought we'd start with a question. 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:32.700 How do you know if you can trust someone? 00:00:33.200 --> 00:00:36.140 How do you know if you can trust someone or not? 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:37.480 What makes somebody trustworthy? 00:00:39.100 --> 00:00:40.579 A good track record. 00:00:41.659 --> 00:00:43.579 They do what they say they'll do. 00:00:43.579 --> 00:00:47.340 You take a risk every time you trust someone, definitely. 00:00:49.219 --> 00:00:49.820 Character. 00:00:51.399 --> 00:00:53.480 If you have a relationship with them. 00:00:54.340 --> 00:00:55.100 Very good. 00:00:55.100 --> 00:00:59.700 There was a study published this week by New York University. 00:01:01.020 --> 00:01:10.540 And they said, actually, we have an inbuilt reflex that makes us in milliseconds decide whether we're going to trust someone or not. 00:01:10.540 --> 00:01:14.719 They did a research project of literally thousands of people. 00:01:14.719 --> 00:01:23.700 And they came to the conclusion that if you have pronounced cheekbones and arcing eyebrows, you're trustworthy. 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:31.219 Also, they decided you're more likely to trust thin people than fat people. 00:01:32.439 --> 00:01:36.439 But I guess you may or may not believe that coming from me. 00:01:38.520 --> 00:01:38.960 Wikipedia. 00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:40.079 WikiHow. 00:01:40.859 --> 00:01:47.040 Source of all knowledge says there's three things that we should look at if we decide whether we're trusting people or not. 00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:47.940 The first is this. 00:01:48.380 --> 00:01:49.060 Credibility. 00:01:49.620 --> 00:01:51.740 Does the person tell the truth? 00:01:53.660 --> 00:01:54.960 Secondly, reliability. 00:01:55.400 --> 00:01:57.880 Does the person do what they promise? 00:01:59.960 --> 00:02:01.219 Thirdly, authority. 00:02:01.420 --> 00:02:04.460 Can the person do what they say? 00:02:05.640 --> 00:02:09.360 Credibility, reliability, and authority. 00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:23.800 As we end Genesis, I think what Moses is trying to do in these two long chapters is give his people a plea and evidence for why they can trust God going forwards. 00:02:25.240 --> 00:02:27.820 Why they can trust God. 00:02:29.400 --> 00:02:32.000 As we end the Joseph story. 00:02:34.140 --> 00:02:37.640 Moses is telling the people, trust God. 00:02:37.639 --> 00:02:47.419 And that's going to be so important because as we leave Genesis, we're going to go into Exodus and it'll be like God hasn't spoken for 300 or so years. 00:02:49.779 --> 00:02:52.839 They start to become very Egyptian in their thinking. 00:02:54.359 --> 00:03:00.239 The generations will pass and people will talk about the patriarchs, but no one will remember them. 00:03:00.240 --> 00:03:07.020 And therefore, this is like an adrenaline shot in the arm that Moses is giving his people. 00:03:07.620 --> 00:03:08.260 Trust God. 00:03:09.460 --> 00:03:10.740 Trust God. 00:03:12.120 --> 00:03:16.500 It's actually going to be the key test for the rest of the Old Testament. 00:03:16.700 --> 00:03:18.500 Will God's people really trust him? 00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:21.980 Or when the chips are down, will they turn somewhere else? 00:03:22.420 --> 00:03:27.700 When God isn't quite behaving as they think he should, will they turn to the Baals and the Asherahs? 00:03:27.699 --> 00:03:29.280 Will God's people trust him? 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:36.979 Do they look at his credibility, reliability and authority and say, yes, God, we can trust you no matter what? 00:03:39.459 --> 00:03:42.459 I guess that's a key test in my life and your life. 00:03:43.459 --> 00:03:45.479 Do we really trust God's? 00:03:45.739 --> 00:03:49.219 We can sing and I will trust in you alone. 00:03:49.219 --> 00:03:52.759 And we can do that when we're all sitting comfortably on a Sunday night. 00:03:52.840 --> 00:03:58.879 But what about when life and the storms of life crash over the bow of our experience? 00:03:59.079 --> 00:03:59.400 What? 00:03:59.939 --> 00:04:02.400 When the bank balance is wearing really thin. 00:04:03.479 --> 00:04:10.919 What about when the P45 is slid across your desk and your boss says we don't need you anymore? 00:04:10.919 --> 00:04:17.060 What about when the doctor says, I'm sorry to say it's not good news? 00:04:18.719 --> 00:04:21.419 Or what about when things don't go the way that we hoped? 00:04:22.459 --> 00:04:25.300 Maybe we trusted someone who let us down. 00:04:25.379 --> 00:04:26.379 Do we trust God then? 00:04:28.060 --> 00:04:32.439 Do we trust God then when it is really scary and it is really dark? 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:34.419 Do we trust God? 00:04:34.420 --> 00:04:40.379 Well, I want us to see from this passage that God is trustworthy. 00:04:41.900 --> 00:04:50.420 And of all the people, all the things in all the world we can trust, God is head and shoulders above everybody else. 00:04:52.040 --> 00:04:54.020 So here's the first thing I want us to see. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:58.139 Trust God with your tomorrows. 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:01.200 Trust God with your tomorrows. 00:05:01.200 --> 00:05:04.360 Because Jacob has been in Egypt for 17 years. 00:05:04.640 --> 00:05:07.220 Since he arrived at the beginning of chapter 47. 00:05:08.780 --> 00:05:11.500 He's 130 when he moves to Egypt. 00:05:12.640 --> 00:05:17.180 So for some of you who think he's moved house for the last time, there's lots of scope. 00:05:18.600 --> 00:05:20.980 It's not only move house but move country. 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:22.720 He dies at 147. 00:05:23.580 --> 00:05:26.420 Full of years at a ripe old age. 00:05:27.100 --> 00:05:32.620 In the previous chapters, Jacob has blessed Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. 00:05:32.620 --> 00:05:36.480 They did that whole hokey-cokey thing that Johnny took us through last week. 00:05:37.840 --> 00:05:44.579 And now we see in chapter 49, verse 1, Jacob gathers his remaining 11 sons. 00:05:45.040 --> 00:05:46.680 He gathers them to him. 00:05:47.079 --> 00:05:48.280 And look what it says. 00:05:48.279 --> 00:05:52.559 So that I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:59.659 That Jacob is laying out for the brothers what is going to befall them as their history unfolds. 00:05:59.660 --> 00:06:05.780 What's going to happen to them and their tribes and the people of Israel as they go forward. 00:06:08.140 --> 00:06:09.980 There's quite a lot in these predictions. 00:06:11.340 --> 00:06:13.440 At the end of the chapter, it calls them blessings. 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:17.780 Although I think if you were some of the sons and were receiving what your dad was saying about you, 00:06:17.840 --> 00:06:19.240 I'm not sure you'd see it as a blessing. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:28.420 So what I want to do is just for a very short while pick out a few of them and show you just how accurate they are. 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:33.460 It's been kind of like biblical air hunters this week. 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:36.780 So we've traced this family tree through the rest of the Bible. 00:06:36.939 --> 00:06:38.180 So let's start. 00:06:39.560 --> 00:06:42.160 Let's start with Reuben as he is the firstborn. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:48.060 Reuben, Jacob even says that in the prophecy. 00:06:48.700 --> 00:06:52.000 And he's saying that Reuben, you should have had every privilege. 00:06:53.160 --> 00:06:54.600 You're the firstborn. 00:06:55.760 --> 00:06:58.860 The first sign of my strength and honor and power. 00:07:00.580 --> 00:07:01.780 You excel. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:06.060 But verse 4 is a bit of a stinging indictment. 00:07:06.740 --> 00:07:08.420 You are turbulent as the water. 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:09.340 You're unstable. 00:07:10.360 --> 00:07:11.080 You're fluid. 00:07:11.079 --> 00:07:12.979 You're not to be trusted. 00:07:13.180 --> 00:07:15.819 You change easily. 00:07:18.300 --> 00:07:28.680 And it's the consequences of Reuben's adultery with Bilhah back in chapter 35, verse 22. 00:07:28.680 --> 00:07:40.939 When Jacob is mourning the death of Rachel, Reuben slinks up to his bedroom and sleeps with Bilhah. 00:07:41.079 --> 00:07:48.639 And the sin seems to constantly cloud Reuben going forward. 00:07:48.719 --> 00:07:49.779 We get these words. 00:07:50.099 --> 00:07:52.039 End of the beginning of verse 4. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:53.759 You will no longer excel. 00:07:53.759 --> 00:08:01.860 This one who should have been the cream of the crop is told by his dad, you will no longer excel. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:08.959 And as you read the rest of the biblical Old Testament and the people of Israel, you'll see the Reubenites are a footnote. 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:12.379 No one famous is a Reubenite. 00:08:12.459 --> 00:08:14.039 They have no kings, no prophets. 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:17.060 They don't even have a bad king. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:19.700 No judges. 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:23.420 Not even any notable fighting men. 00:08:24.600 --> 00:08:26.900 Therein also ran in the people of Israel. 00:08:28.379 --> 00:08:31.220 There's certainly not a tribe that excels. 00:08:31.220 --> 00:08:35.860 But the best point is in the Song of Deborah. 00:08:36.940 --> 00:08:41.100 They talk about the Reubenites and said they thought about going to war, but they searched their hearts and didn't. 00:08:41.639 --> 00:08:42.980 That's about as good as it gets. 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:46.639 They certainly did not excel, you have to say. 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:51.200 Jacob's words certainly do come true. 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:55.160 Then we get these two brothers, Simeon and Levi. 00:08:55.159 --> 00:08:58.579 They're instruments of violence, he says. 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:04.039 They've got a track record as they massacre all the Shechemites, having deceived them. 00:09:05.579 --> 00:09:06.399 Look what it says. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:09.899 They'll be scattered and dispersed in Israel. 00:09:11.319 --> 00:09:13.480 Scattered and dispersed in Israel. 00:09:13.679 --> 00:09:15.459 And it's an amazing thing to see. 00:09:17.319 --> 00:09:24.699 Because both the tribe of Simeon and the tribe of Levi are scattered and dispersed throughout the rest of Israel. 00:09:24.700 --> 00:09:29.840 But, for Simeon it's a curse and for Levi it's a blessing. 00:09:31.660 --> 00:09:37.700 The Simeonites, if we read Numbers 1, are the third largest tribe when they go into the wilderness wanderings. 00:09:39.340 --> 00:09:40.700 Third biggest tribe. 00:09:42.140 --> 00:09:46.000 By the time we get to the census in Numbers 26, they're the smallest tribe. 00:09:47.920 --> 00:09:51.800 And by the time they get to the promised land, they don't even get a segment for themselves. 00:09:51.799 --> 00:09:56.179 They're given a little corner of the land allotted to Judah. 00:09:57.879 --> 00:10:00.000 That they're scattered and dispersed. 00:10:00.959 --> 00:10:02.859 And it really seems to come true. 00:10:03.979 --> 00:10:08.219 Levi, on the other hand, things actually go quite well. 00:10:08.539 --> 00:10:11.459 In Exodus 32, verses 26 to 28. 00:10:11.699 --> 00:10:13.899 They're the instrument of God's judgment. 00:10:14.439 --> 00:10:17.039 As he pours out judgment for the golden calf. 00:10:17.039 --> 00:10:20.939 And it's because of this that they're chosen to be the priestly tribe. 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:26.079 And by the time they get into the promised land, they don't get land themselves. 00:10:26.500 --> 00:10:27.980 They don't get inheritance themselves. 00:10:28.419 --> 00:10:32.879 The phrase is written that God himself is their inheritance. 00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:40.419 And therefore they're literally scattered throughout the whole province of the promised land. 00:10:40.419 --> 00:10:44.799 Amongst the tribes to dispense these priestly duties. 00:10:45.799 --> 00:10:47.019 You have to say. 00:10:47.819 --> 00:10:48.879 Three sons. 00:10:50.079 --> 00:10:51.759 And Jacob's got them absolutely right. 00:10:52.939 --> 00:10:54.799 He's absolutely nailed it. 00:10:56.079 --> 00:10:58.959 And then we get Dan and things don't look that great for Dan. 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:02.279 Verse 16. 00:11:02.419 --> 00:11:05.839 Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:08.800 Dan will be a snake by the roadside. 00:11:08.879 --> 00:11:12.019 A viper along the path that bites the horse's heels. 00:11:12.519 --> 00:11:15.340 So that its riders will tumble backwards. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:19.820 Again, having looked at this, you have to say it's very accurate. 00:11:20.460 --> 00:11:23.480 This idea of Dan dispensing justice. 00:11:23.920 --> 00:11:27.139 Seems to hone in on one of the most famous judges. 00:11:28.580 --> 00:11:30.660 The incredible hulk of the Bible. 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:31.700 Samson. 00:11:32.540 --> 00:11:34.800 The one who dispenses judges. 00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:36.919 Is the last of the judges. 00:11:38.139 --> 00:11:40.019 He is a Danite. 00:11:40.599 --> 00:11:41.899 From the tribe of Dan. 00:11:42.079 --> 00:11:43.019 Seems pretty good. 00:11:43.099 --> 00:11:44.500 Verse 16. 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:46.679 But then it talks about him being a viper. 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:47.439 A snake. 00:11:47.719 --> 00:11:48.579 By the roadside. 00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:49.539 That's going to bite people. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:50.859 And they're going to stumble backwards. 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:53.339 And as we move on. 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:55.339 Particularly into the time of the kings. 00:11:56.939 --> 00:12:00.139 Dan becomes a bad place. 00:12:00.139 --> 00:12:03.199 It's where Jeroboam puts one of his golden calves. 00:12:03.200 --> 00:12:06.400 So that the people in the northern kingdom of Israel. 00:12:06.580 --> 00:12:07.920 Don't need to travel to Jerusalem. 00:12:08.200 --> 00:12:13.259 And undermine the new king Jeroboam's authority. 00:12:14.300 --> 00:12:16.620 By the time we get to Amos 8. 00:12:16.820 --> 00:12:17.900 Verse 14. 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:21.620 Amos says, Dan, you're an utter disgrace. 00:12:22.420 --> 00:12:24.680 You've become the center of idolatry. 00:12:24.800 --> 00:12:26.600 And it's from you that all the sorcery. 00:12:26.600 --> 00:12:29.019 And badness in the world happens. 00:12:30.460 --> 00:12:32.920 You have to say what Jacob says to Dan. 00:12:33.480 --> 00:12:35.960 You're like a snake that's going to bite people's heels. 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:37.120 And make them go backwards. 00:12:37.440 --> 00:12:39.100 Seems very accurate. 00:12:40.440 --> 00:12:44.540 So they become a place synonymous with idolatry. 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:46.879 Then we move to Joseph. 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:49.039 It seems silly that we wouldn't look at Joseph. 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:52.099 And this seems to be a lot less. 00:12:52.199 --> 00:12:55.519 Predicting what Joseph's tribe is going to be like. 00:12:55.539 --> 00:12:56.419 Because he doesn't have one. 00:12:56.480 --> 00:12:59.360 Because his place is taken by his two sons. 00:12:59.699 --> 00:13:01.000 Manasseh and Ephraim. 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:04.719 But looking back at the end of Jacob's life. 00:13:04.959 --> 00:13:08.439 He makes some remarkable proclamations. 00:13:08.440 --> 00:13:14.580 He says of Joseph that he's been a very fruitful vine. 00:13:16.160 --> 00:13:18.920 A fruitful vine that's prospered near a spring. 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:21.960 That has overflowed outside the territory. 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:23.980 Of Canaan. 00:13:24.060 --> 00:13:26.020 Whose branches climb over a wall. 00:13:26.620 --> 00:13:29.680 That blessing, that fruitfulness has spilled out from beyond. 00:13:31.400 --> 00:13:33.120 The immediate proximity. 00:13:34.060 --> 00:13:36.300 And he's prospered through adversity. 00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:40.759 It seems that it's like archers have been attacking him. 00:13:41.419 --> 00:13:43.359 And we can see that throughout his life. 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:45.599 That it's not been great. 00:13:45.719 --> 00:13:47.159 Particularly the early half. 00:13:47.859 --> 00:13:49.039 It was not great. 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:51.959 It was like archers were attacking him. 00:13:54.319 --> 00:13:56.620 But it says his bow remained steady. 00:13:57.639 --> 00:14:00.019 His hands remained calm. 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:06.139 He prospered through adversity. 00:14:06.139 --> 00:14:07.079 And the reason. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:12.360 Because God's arms held up Joseph's arms. 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:16.439 That behind it all God was faithful to Joseph. 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:19.799 God was strong in Joseph's life. 00:14:20.759 --> 00:14:24.340 This is Jacob talking about why Joseph prospered. 00:14:24.579 --> 00:14:26.240 And it's nothing to do with Jacob. 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:27.199 Look what he says. 00:14:27.200 --> 00:14:29.500 But his bow remained steady. 00:14:29.600 --> 00:14:31.280 His strong arms stayed supple. 00:14:31.420 --> 00:14:33.780 Because of the hand of the mighty one of Jacob. 00:14:34.060 --> 00:14:36.360 Because of the shepherd, the rock of Israel. 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:38.879 Because of your father's God who helped you. 00:14:39.200 --> 00:14:41.220 Because of the almighty who blesses you. 00:14:42.160 --> 00:14:45.660 As Jacob looks back on the life of his favorite son. 00:14:45.659 --> 00:14:48.079 He says you've prospered. 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:50.620 And it's been because God has been with you. 00:14:52.199 --> 00:14:55.879 What an incredible acknowledgement from a guy, Jacob. 00:14:56.579 --> 00:14:58.360 Who'd not had the greatest history. 00:14:58.480 --> 00:14:59.480 Had been a bit murky. 00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.539 Had been a lot of up and downs. 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.539 But looking back he says, God you were real. 00:15:04.459 --> 00:15:05.659 And you were in control. 00:15:05.799 --> 00:15:07.539 And you were helping and strengthening. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:10.740 And it was your will that was being done. 00:15:10.819 --> 00:15:12.360 And you even used my son. 00:15:12.939 --> 00:15:13.759 And helped him. 00:15:13.759 --> 00:15:17.200 Lastly, let's look at Judah. 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:21.279 Because this is where it's so amazing. 00:15:23.939 --> 00:15:24.860 Verse 8. 00:15:25.100 --> 00:15:26.939 Judah, your brothers will praise you. 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:30.259 If you remember when Judah was born as Leah's fourth son. 00:15:30.939 --> 00:15:34.220 She gives the first three sons pretty awkward names. 00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:40.220 But Judah, Leah says, this time I will praise the Lord. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:46.399 So he called, so she called her son Judah, which is the word for praise. 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:50.779 And so it says, Judah, your brothers will praise you. 00:15:51.480 --> 00:15:53.500 It'll be an ultimate reality. 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:58.860 And your hand will be on the neck of your enemies. 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:05.940 This is almost the same language as we heard back in Genesis 3 about the offspring of the woman being the serpent crusher. 00:16:06.679 --> 00:16:09.240 The one who lifts the enemies up by the neck. 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:12.899 And it never goes well for anyone being held up by the neck. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:18.079 Then we have this lion imagery that's going to be picked up particularly in Revelation. 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:23.799 This majestic lion who has authority and power. 00:16:26.959 --> 00:16:28.559 Who offers real rest. 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.559 Look at the end of verse 9. 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:31.879 Like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:35.840 I don't know if you used to watch Natural World, but the lions would go out on the savannah. 00:16:35.959 --> 00:16:37.179 They'd kill a wildebeest. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.719 They'd all eat their fill. 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:41.199 And then they'd lie out sunbathing on the rock. 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:44.879 And you'd have to be a brave man to go and give it a tickle at that point. 00:16:46.179 --> 00:16:47.779 Because there's real rest here. 00:16:49.199 --> 00:16:55.599 This picture is of one who is defeating enemies, who is worthy of praise. 00:16:56.139 --> 00:16:58.699 And who offers real rest. 00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:03.039 Look at what it says about the donkey in verse 11. 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:07.700 He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch. 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:10.359 I don't know if you've ever been in a vineyard. 00:17:11.680 --> 00:17:14.079 But vines are pretty scrawny little things. 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:16.659 Not something that you would really tie a donkey to. 00:17:17.079 --> 00:17:18.539 Because it would just run away. 00:17:18.700 --> 00:17:20.059 Well, meander away. 00:17:20.159 --> 00:17:23.339 Donkeys are not the speediest of creatures. 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:27.859 So if you've got a vine that's able to have a donkey tethered to it. 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:29.339 We're talking like a big vine. 00:17:30.099 --> 00:17:32.920 Big vines bring big clusters of grapes. 00:17:33.700 --> 00:17:35.279 We have a picture here of abundance. 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:37.279 You also wouldn't put your donkey on a vine. 00:17:38.159 --> 00:17:40.740 Because the donkey quite likes a grape from time to time. 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:42.019 It would eat quite a lot of the produce. 00:17:43.339 --> 00:17:46.200 The only time you do that is if you had strong vines. 00:17:46.920 --> 00:17:50.440 And also so many grapes that if Eeyore helped himself to a few. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:52.000 It wouldn't really matter. 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.639 Because you've got so many. 00:17:53.639 --> 00:17:57.119 And then look at what it says about the wine. 00:17:57.119 --> 00:18:00.239 He will wash his garments in wine. 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:03.419 His robes in the blood of grapes. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:10.480 How much wine would you need to do your weekly washing in it? 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:15.400 This is before the days of A plus eco rating. 00:18:15.400 --> 00:18:18.560 You're going to need an awful lot. 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:21.280 There's going to be an abundance of wine. 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.680 I'm not sure how clean it would be. 00:18:24.900 --> 00:18:27.019 But you're going to need an incredible amount. 00:18:27.019 --> 00:18:30.099 And as I read this this week. 00:18:30.160 --> 00:18:32.460 My mind couldn't help but go towards John 2. 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:35.160 When Jesus goes to a wedding. 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:36.200 But there's a real problem. 00:18:36.200 --> 00:18:37.500 Because the wine runs out. 00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:42.160 And so they fill 50 gallon jars. 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:43.339 Six of them to the brim. 00:18:43.379 --> 00:18:44.480 And it turns into wine. 00:18:44.559 --> 00:18:46.579 That seems to be like an abundance of wine. 00:18:47.480 --> 00:18:48.639 It's almost like. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:51.559 This prophecy finds its fulfillment in. 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:52.799 Jesus. 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:55.440 In fact it really does. 00:18:55.519 --> 00:18:57.259 Because verse 10 tells us it does. 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:59.859 The scepter will not depart from Judah. 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:01.679 The ruling stick. 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:04.799 Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet. 00:19:05.460 --> 00:19:08.539 Until he to whom it belongs shall come. 00:19:10.000 --> 00:19:12.559 Even here in this prophecy. 00:19:13.679 --> 00:19:16.679 The lion of Judah is being seen as coming in the future. 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.659 And he will reign forever. 00:19:19.859 --> 00:19:21.419 That the scepter will be passed. 00:19:21.420 --> 00:19:23.080 And obviously it will go through David. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:25.340 The greatest of Judah's descendants. 00:19:25.340 --> 00:19:26.259 In the Old Testament. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.740 Who was the pinnacle of kings. 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:32.039 But eventually this scepter will side with. 00:19:32.560 --> 00:19:33.620 The Lord Jesus. 00:19:34.279 --> 00:19:36.200 The promised ultimate seed. 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:39.800 And at that point. 00:19:40.180 --> 00:19:41.820 There won't need to be another king. 00:19:41.900 --> 00:19:43.000 Because he'll be the king forever. 00:19:44.360 --> 00:19:45.960 Do you see how accurate this is? 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:50.060 Do you see that God even right at the beginning. 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:52.279 Knows what the end is going to look like? 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:57.339 It says this. 00:19:57.419 --> 00:20:00.679 And the obedience of the nation shall be his. 00:20:01.220 --> 00:20:02.879 It's been very interesting in Genesis. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:04.480 Because we started with all humanity. 00:20:04.799 --> 00:20:05.419 In Eden. 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:08.159 We then moved to Noah. 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:09.619 And to Shem. 00:20:10.319 --> 00:20:11.899 And then from Shem to Abraham. 00:20:12.099 --> 00:20:13.460 And from Abraham to Israel. 00:20:13.539 --> 00:20:15.200 And from Israel we got to Judah. 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:17.880 And now we focused in on one person. 00:20:17.880 --> 00:20:18.940 From the tribe of Judah. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:19.620 This one. 00:20:20.580 --> 00:20:22.480 Whom the scepter belongs to forever. 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:23.980 And it seems doesn't it. 00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:25.559 That it gets narrower and narrower. 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:27.100 And narrower and narrower. 00:20:28.360 --> 00:20:29.920 But then we find in this one. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:32.000 That it opens out again to all humanity. 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:34.059 As it is him. 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:36.240 Who will rule all the nations. 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:37.259 All the nations. 00:20:38.100 --> 00:20:39.160 Shall be his. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:42.320 I think what we see. 00:20:42.560 --> 00:20:44.180 Or what I've tried to show you. 00:20:44.300 --> 00:20:46.019 From these prophecies. 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:48.640 Is that you can trust God with your tomorrows. 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:50.100 Because he knows what they look like. 00:20:51.820 --> 00:20:54.220 It says in Isaiah 46 verse 10. 00:20:55.140 --> 00:20:57.440 I make known the end from the beginning. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:21:00.420 From ancient times what is still to come. 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:02.740 I say my purpose will stand. 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:05.620 And I will do all I please. 00:21:06.800 --> 00:21:08.440 You can trust God. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:12.180 If he's got all this worked out. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:14.140 I think we can trust him with Monday morning. 00:21:16.019 --> 00:21:17.559 Pretty sure we can trust him. 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:18.299 When it's difficult. 00:21:18.460 --> 00:21:19.080 And when it's dark. 00:21:19.140 --> 00:21:19.860 And when it's tough. 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:22.640 If God is able to make something out of these people. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:24.920 I'm pretty sure he can make something out of you and me. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:28.259 And even right at the beginning. 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:29.860 He can tell us about the end. 00:21:29.860 --> 00:21:32.360 Trust God with your tomorrows. 00:21:34.140 --> 00:21:35.559 Secondly and much quicker. 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:38.140 Trust God with your yesterdays. 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:40.700 Turn to chapter 50 and verse 15. 00:21:43.840 --> 00:21:44.880 Jacob dies. 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:46.580 And there seems to be a real problem. 00:21:46.580 --> 00:21:49.160 Because the sons don't really think they've been forgiven. 00:21:49.320 --> 00:21:52.660 That Joseph has just been playing at it for the sake of his dad. 00:21:53.080 --> 00:21:57.120 So his dad can die with family harmony going on before his eyes. 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:59.080 And now Jacob is dead. 00:21:59.420 --> 00:22:00.640 The brothers are terrified. 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:02.400 Because he thinks now we're for it. 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:06.340 You can't just strip people and throw them in a pit. 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.700 And sell them to the Midianites. 00:22:07.820 --> 00:22:09.100 And have them in prison in Egypt. 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:09.840 That's all your fault. 00:22:09.880 --> 00:22:11.280 And you not get punished for it. 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:14.339 So there's real panic. 00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:17.119 Are we really forgiven? 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:18.420 Or was this just for show? 00:22:19.619 --> 00:22:21.319 Is this really grace? 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:25.440 Or is it just withheld judgment until the old boy dies? 00:22:25.440 --> 00:22:25.559 Yes. 00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:33.919 So they send word to Joseph. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:40.019 Please forgive the sins of the servants of God of your father. 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:47.000 Joseph cries because he can't believe that they haven't got that they're really forgiven. 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:52.059 They throw themselves down before him. 00:22:52.119 --> 00:22:52.940 We are your slaves. 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:58.319 They tried to do that back when Benjamin was found to have the priced cup of Joseph. 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:05.279 And Joseph says these words which have been alluded to so many times in this series. 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:06.579 Don't be afraid. 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:09.700 Am I in the place of God? 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:11.319 You intended to harm me. 00:23:11.640 --> 00:23:15.360 But God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done. 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:18.360 The saving of many lives. 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:21.799 Am I in the place of God's? 00:23:23.200 --> 00:23:25.740 If God so worked it out this way. 00:23:26.660 --> 00:23:28.019 That my coming to Egypt. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.680 My ascending to Prime Minister. 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:31.960 Has led to the preserving of many lives. 00:23:32.039 --> 00:23:33.620 Why would I hold a grudge against you? 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:37.519 Who can forgive sin but God? 00:23:37.580 --> 00:23:38.720 Am I in the place of God? 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.400 Is it me? 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:42.819 To give my own justice and retribution? 00:23:44.860 --> 00:23:45.980 He says to his brothers. 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:47.580 You're really forgiven. 00:23:49.100 --> 00:23:52.220 What you did you are totally responsible for. 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:54.900 You intended to harm me. 00:23:54.900 --> 00:23:58.120 But over and above that God. 00:23:58.120 --> 00:24:04.000 God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done. 00:24:04.000 --> 00:24:05.000 The saving of many lives. 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:06.619 The saving of many lives. 00:24:06.619 --> 00:24:09.579 Do you see how sovereign God is in the midst of this? 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:12.140 That the brothers do exactly what they want to do. 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:17.500 But in the end it only turns out that they do exactly what God had predestined should happen. 00:24:17.500 --> 00:24:21.660 It's kind of like what happens in the cross. 00:24:21.660 --> 00:24:21.940 No? 00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:26.740 Well that's certainly how Peter talks about it in Acts 2. 00:24:27.779 --> 00:24:32.339 That you with the help of wicked men put to death the author of life. 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:40.679 But you only actually accomplished what God had determined beforehand should happen. 00:24:40.680 --> 00:24:44.019 Do you see looking back God. 00:24:44.019 --> 00:24:46.379 Joseph could say. 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:48.720 You intended to harm me. 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.879 It did really hurt. 00:24:49.880 --> 00:24:52.860 But God used it for good. 00:24:54.280 --> 00:24:57.020 Do you know what if we look back at our lives. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:25:00.660 And thought about the stuff that was really hard and really horrible. 00:25:02.900 --> 00:25:05.820 Wouldn't it be so gracious of God if in this life. 00:25:06.800 --> 00:25:09.560 He showed us how we used it for our ultimate good. 00:25:10.520 --> 00:25:12.280 Because we clung to him perhaps. 00:25:13.340 --> 00:25:17.420 Because we felt the embrace of his people in his church. 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:21.460 Let's be clear if we don't get that kind of closure in this life. 00:25:22.560 --> 00:25:23.539 In eternity. 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:26.180 Like it says at the end of Daniel. 00:25:26.700 --> 00:25:28.740 The scars of this life will shine. 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:31.279 Brighter than the sun as we see. 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:33.519 That it was all worth it. 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:35.000 In the end. 00:25:36.279 --> 00:25:37.820 Trust God with your tomorrows. 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:41.580 Trust God with your yesterdays. 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:45.580 And lastly trust God with your forevers. 00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:49.019 Jacob dies. 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:52.580 And at the very end Joseph dies. 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:56.660 But from what we read they both die in faith. 00:25:58.100 --> 00:26:00.259 They both die in real faith. 00:26:00.400 --> 00:26:04.220 That their future is bound up with who God is. 00:26:04.300 --> 00:26:05.320 And what God has promised. 00:26:05.319 --> 00:26:05.679 Rest. 00:26:08.259 --> 00:26:09.439 So Jacob dies. 00:26:09.539 --> 00:26:11.139 Chapter 49 verse 53. 00:26:11.659 --> 00:26:13.519 And he makes people promise. 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:15.379 That they won't bury him in Egypt. 00:26:15.559 --> 00:26:17.419 He's not going to get a pyramid to himself. 00:26:18.139 --> 00:26:21.819 He's not going to be on the same mound as Tutankhamun and all his friends. 00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:28.419 He says I want to be buried back in the cave in Machpelah that Abraham bought. 00:26:28.420 --> 00:26:34.660 I want to be buried with my people. 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:37.680 Because my future is bound up with the covenant people of God. 00:26:39.340 --> 00:26:40.820 And I know ultimately. 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:46.279 That'll be worth everything in eternity. 00:26:48.100 --> 00:26:51.800 Jacob dies in faith and asked to be buried amongst his people. 00:26:51.799 --> 00:26:54.680 Joseph the same. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:57.059 Although Joseph has a different dimension in view. 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:02.159 He dies at the age of 110. 00:27:02.399 --> 00:27:03.779 Another ripe old age. 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:08.819 He sees some of his grandchildren and some great grandchildren as well. 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:11.859 He says I'm about to die. 00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:14.099 But I want you to embalm me and put me in a coffin. 00:27:14.099 --> 00:27:18.460 But don't let Egypt be my ultimate resting place. 00:27:18.460 --> 00:27:22.960 He says when you've been here God will visit you. 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:24.579 He will come to your aid. 00:27:25.039 --> 00:27:26.480 And I want you to take me with you. 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:33.440 He has great assurance that God will not leave his people forever in Egypt. 00:27:33.640 --> 00:27:34.680 But they'll be rescued. 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:44.960 He died within the covenant family. 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:48.400 And as we look at this. 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:50.460 That's why we can trust God with our forevers. 00:27:51.600 --> 00:27:52.880 Because if we're found. 00:27:53.100 --> 00:27:55.980 Not in God's people by race. 00:27:56.079 --> 00:27:57.220 Descendants from Abraham. 00:27:57.400 --> 00:27:59.600 But in God's family by grace. 00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:02.640 Being heirs of the new covenant. 00:28:02.900 --> 00:28:03.380 Dying. 00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:05.360 In Jesus Christ. 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:08.819 Then we can have absolute confidence. 00:28:08.819 --> 00:28:10.860 That God will come to our aid. 00:28:10.859 --> 00:28:13.819 And we won't be transported as a mummy in a coffin. 00:28:14.179 --> 00:28:16.139 From Egypt to the promised land. 00:28:16.799 --> 00:28:19.699 But we'd be transported as sons and daughters. 00:28:20.039 --> 00:28:21.559 In resurrection bodies. 00:28:21.919 --> 00:28:23.359 To the ultimate promised land. 00:28:23.439 --> 00:28:24.740 To be with God forever. 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:27.319 Because of the Lord Jesus. 00:28:29.459 --> 00:28:31.159 That's why we can trust God. 00:28:32.439 --> 00:28:35.879 Because Judas promised seed one. 00:28:36.919 --> 00:28:38.939 And because of him we have ultimate assurance. 00:28:38.940 --> 00:28:42.440 The ultimate proof that we can trust God. 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:43.640 Is that he sent his son. 00:28:44.400 --> 00:28:45.700 Who died for us. 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.940 They put him in a grave. 00:28:47.100 --> 00:28:49.080 And the grave couldn't hold him. 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:51.680 And because he lives. 00:28:51.779 --> 00:28:53.500 We also will live. 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.860 What did we learn from this chapter? 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:55.759 Trust God. 00:28:56.400 --> 00:28:57.880 With all your tomorrows. 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.779 Trust God. 00:28:59.340 --> 00:29:00.900 With all your yesterdays. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.779 And trust God. 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.460 With your forever. 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.320 Because he's trustworthy. 00:29:05.539 --> 00:29:08.080 And he will never let us down. 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:10.940 I don't know if you saw in the paper this week. 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:12.539 But Elizabeth Elliot died. 00:29:13.880 --> 00:29:17.160 And this was one of the tributes that was written. 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:22.720 Elizabeth was a woman who knew and trusted the Lord. 00:29:23.600 --> 00:29:27.259 Here was a woman willing to trust the Lord no matter what. 00:29:28.120 --> 00:29:30.400 Trusting him no matter what happened. 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:32.660 No matter where he called her to go. 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:34.580 No matter what he called her to do. 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:39.839 Here was a woman who suffered the loss of her young husband on the mission field. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.099 As a martyr. 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:47.699 And then trusted God in staying for several years to share the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:29:47.699 --> 00:29:51.199 With the same people who killed her beloved Jim. 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:55.599 A few years on and her second husband died of cancer. 00:29:55.599 --> 00:30:04.039 Elizabeth Elliot in her life suffered beyond what I could even imagine as a wife and mother. 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:08.000 And her response to it all was her repeated phrase. 00:30:08.899 --> 00:30:09.619 Trust God. 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:11.980 And obey him. 00:30:12.759 --> 00:30:15.359 And do the next thing he asks. 00:30:16.119 --> 00:30:17.199 No matter what. 00:30:18.139 --> 00:30:19.099 All for his glory. 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:29.599 All for his glory. 00:30:30.319 --> 00:30:30.679 Alone. 00:30:31.459 --> 00:30:31.980 Let's pray. 00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:38.139 Father God thank you that we can trust you with all of our lives. 00:30:39.199 --> 00:30:40.659 And our eventual deaths. 00:30:42.719 --> 00:30:45.799 Father thank you that we have every reason to trust you. 00:30:45.879 --> 00:30:48.359 As the one who knows the end from the beginning. 00:30:49.099 --> 00:30:51.980 The one who is the Alpha and the Omega. 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:52.579 The one. 00:30:53.679 --> 00:30:57.219 Who in the hands of his son holds the keys of death. 00:30:57.759 --> 00:30:58.359 And hell. 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.859 And so Lord we come. 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:04.379 Repenting of all the times we've doubted you. 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:09.299 All the times our fears and anxieties have got the better of us. 00:31:09.939 --> 00:31:12.099 And we failed to see your face. 00:31:12.099 --> 00:31:15.899 And so Lord we pray this week. 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:18.359 We would trust you no matter what comes. 00:31:19.439 --> 00:31:20.679 No matter what we see. 00:31:21.659 --> 00:31:25.439 And Father that trust in you would give us a steadfast confidence. 00:31:26.819 --> 00:31:28.919 To take risks. 00:31:29.379 --> 00:31:31.119 To grab opportunities. 00:31:32.119 --> 00:31:35.379 And to live life differently before a watching world. 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:38.120 Father we thank you for your son. 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:41.640 Who ultimately proves we can trust you with tomorrow. 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:45.600 And who conqueringly proved. 00:31:46.300 --> 00:31:47.740 We can trust you with forever. 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:51.700 Father what's useful seared on our hearts we pray. 00:31:52.880 --> 00:31:55.920 Father what's been near rumblings and ramblings. 00:31:56.080 --> 00:31:57.860 Father may they blow away in the wind. 00:31:58.620 --> 00:32:00.240 Father bless us this week we ask. 00:32:00.360 --> 00:32:01.160 In Jesus name. 00:32:01.160 --> 00:32:02.200 Amen.