In Genesis 49 Jacob’s sons are gathered around him. An end of an era. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jacob has watched his sons throughout their lives as only a father can. Our Father knows each of us as only He can. He knows our thoughts, our hearts, all of us. I wonder what God would say to each of us? I look for your deliverance, Lord. v. 18. Jacob spoke that right after giving Dan his blessing. He said that Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward. v. 17. The justice of mankind. I look for your deliverance, Lord.

I think of the justice of mankind when I read about Judah’s blessing. 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; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness – who dares to rouse him? 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. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk. v. 8-12.

What did the justice of mankind do to the Son of God? What does God’s deliverance do for us? Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. Revelation 5:5-6. I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. Revelation 19:11-13.

The lives of Jacob’s sons will be played out just as Jacob’s was and just as ours will be. The Lamb of God, slain for us, is Faithful and True. His justice is true unlike the justice of mankind. We can’t know another’s heart, we barely know our own. God does. He knows every part of us and that is our hope. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Psalm 34:21-22. In our human justice we want to see people who have sinned condemned. We are so quick to judge. If we’re honest, really honest, we would be with all those we so readily condemn; evil slays the wicked, God saves. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9.

I am so very grateful our blessings come from the One who is Faithful and True. He knows us and He loves us, not our sins, but us. Our sins will be destroyed. Remember, He doesn’t want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. How grateful we can be for our Lord’s justice and saving love. He is patient. Call on Him and take His hand. Begin your personal journey with the One who loves you.