Scripture
Genesis 49:8-12
Philippians 2:6-11
Revelation 5:1-14
Before Jacob died, we see in Genesis 49 that he called for his sons, and said, “Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come.” Then, he went on to speak to each son. They are basically prophecies over each of his sons. His sons are to become the 12 tribes of Israel.
To Judah, he said, “Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, Judah…” Then, verse 10, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”
When he says that the scepter won’t depart from Judah, that means that the rulers of Israel will be from the line of Judah, and one day, there will be one who will come who the scepter belongs to, meaning the one who will ultimately rule—Jesus. King David is from the line of Judah, and then his descendants continue to rule after him in Israel, and then Judah when they split into two nations. Jesus comes later on down that line of Judah.
Then, it says that the obedience of nations shall be his. Ultimately, that is Jesus. He is the one to whom the ruler’s staff belongs. He will rule all nations with the staff that will not leave him. A day will come when all nations will bow down and worship him as king. Philippians 2 talks about how at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Jesus will come from the line of Judah, and a name for him is actually the lion of Judah, which comes from this passage where Judah is called a lion. In Revelation 5, we see this incredible picture in heaven of a scroll that no one could open. No one in heaven or earth or under the earth was worthy or able to break the seals and open the scroll. Then, they saw the Lion of Judah come in. He is worthy and able to open the scroll and its seven seals. Then, when John (the disciple, and author of this book) looked and saw a Lamb that looked like it was slain.
So, here Jesus is, both the Lion and the Lamb. He is the Lion of Judah, the one who will rule over all. He is also the Lamb of God, the sacrificial lamb that sacrificed himself on the cross, so that we could live. What a beautiful picture. Judah is told he is a lion and he and his descendants would rule. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise and prophecy. He is the Lion of Judah who will rule forever.
Prayer
Jesus, you are worthy. You are worthy of my praise, my worship, my life. You are worthy to rule, not just over all, but you are worthy to specifically rule over my life as well. Jesus, would you rule in my life.
Questions/Journal Prompts
Feel free to use these questions as a guide as you journal and/or pray.
1. What thoughts or feelings come to mind when you think of Jesus being ruler of all?
2. Is Jesus ruling over your life? Why or why not?
3. What does the picture in Revelation of Jesus being depicted as a Lion and a Lamb, mean to you?
Songs to listen to
Spend some time listening to these songs, reflecting on the words, and sitting with Jesus.
“Lion of Judah” by Phil Thompson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc10xIgENAs
“Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIahc83Kvp4
“Lion and the Lamb” by Bethel Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9ujBoud26k
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