Leaning On Your Staff
Today’s Verse:
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. ~Hebrews 11:21
Jacob is one of the most colorful and intriguing characters of the Bible. His name means “supplanter” or “heel grabber.” In spite of having a reputation as a deceiver, he becomes a man of faith and is the progenitor of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Hebrews 11, there is only one verse that makes mention of him, but it is a very powerful and practical statement. The last thing said about Jacob is that as he was dying and having blessed the two sons of Joseph, he worshipped, leaning upon his staff.
We see Jacob’s life.
“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying….” Jacob was in the last days of his life. Our life is like a vapor that appears for a little time, then it vanishes away. Even though he lived 130 years, the time went by quickly. The Bible tells us about the reality of life: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Jacob had things in his life that he did well and many other things that he regretted. We must live our life faithfully. We must live our life fruitfully. Let us not get to the final days of our life with regrets but with satisfaction that we pleased God.
We see Jacob’s lads.
“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph….” Joseph was Jacob’s son from his marriage to Rachel. Jacob loved Joseph very much. He demonstrated his favor of Joseph in making him a coat of many colors. Jacob was so delighted to see that Joseph was alive and that he had two sons. Jacob desired to bless these two grandsons. Even as he was dying, Jacob had a vision for the next generation. He desired that the faith that he had in God would be passed down to Ephraim and Manasseh. We must be concerned for the generation that follows us. We must be concerned that they love the Lord and serve Him. Let us invest in the lives of the next generation so that they have a faith that glorifies God.
We see Jacob leaning.
Jacob worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. Leaning upon that staff spoke symbolically of Jacob’s trust in the Lord. He leaned upon that staff as a shepherd, as a herdsman, as a father, and as a pilgrim. Jacob learned that God could be trusted in everything. As his strength was ebbing away and death was very imminent, he leaned on that staff. He held tightly to the promises of God. He rested his concerns and hope in the Lord. He did not allow his fears and regrets to lead him to be loose in his convictions. He leaned upon his staff, worshipping God. May it be said of us that we finished our lives stayed upon God.
We see Jacob’s legacy.
“By faith Jacob….” Jacob’s legacy is his faith. His faith journey began at Bethel where he had the dream of a ladder that reached from earth to Heaven. He named that location Bethel: the house of God. His faith was further defined at Peniel when he wrestled all night with an angel. It was there that God blessed him and changed his name to Israel. His faith journey led him to bring his family to Egypt, where they would meet with Joseph and he would care for them. Jacob had a faith that was personal, powerful, and persevering. He had heartaches along the way, but even as he was dying, he worshipped, leaning upon his staff. You can trust God for your entire faith journey. Keep your faith stayed upon the Lord.
Have a steadfast God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Timothy 4-6