The Man God Exalts
Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon. ~Genesis 49:13
Zebulun is one of the smaller and lesser known of Jacob’s sons and of the tribes of Israel. He is the sixth son of Leah. Only one verse describes Jacob’s parting words and blessing upon this son. Zebulun represents a good testimony and a solid future. He represents for us a son who did not cause his father trouble or heartache. He represents a Christian whose testimony and influence is blessed of God.
We see Zebulun and his rank.
Even though he was a middle child, his name indicates something about what his parents and others thought about him. His name means “exalted.” He was a man who was praised for his character. In Psalm 112:1-3, we are told, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.” God is exalted when a man is God-fearing, obedient, and leads his family right. His life gave glory to God and honored his father. Children who honor their parents are children who honor the Lord. Zebulun had a good name because of his person.
We see Zebulun and his rest.
Jacob said that Zebulun would dwell at the haven of the sea. The haven was the shoreline. A haven is considered a place of rest and safety. First, this speaks to us about the protection of a life that is pleasing to God. Our soul is at rest when Jesus Christ is our personal Savior. Our soul is at rest when we give our heavy yoke to Jesus and take His yoke instead. Our soul is at rest when we have faith in His promises and Word. Unlike some of his brothers who were called unstable and cruel, Zebulun conducted his life as one who leaned upon the Lord. He learned to trust in God for his needs and to not always try to bend the will of God for his life. He had rest in his soul and for his soul.
We see Zebulun as a refuge.
“He shall be for an haven of ships.” For sea merchants and seafarers, docking stations at every shoreline is a welcome sight after a long time out at sea. There is safety, refuge, and resource when a ship is docked. Zebulun pictures a resourceful believer who is a blessing to other Christians. He is someone who has the right words, the right spirit, and the right timing for other people. Zebulun is described as someone whom others can come safely to and find encouragement for their wellbeing. Are you someone who gives comfort to other people? Are other people better off spiritually after being with you? Are you someone whom other people can come to as a haven for their life and spiritual welfare?
We see Zebulun and his reach.
Jacob said that his border shall be even unto Zidon. Zidon was a coastal city. The distance from the coastline of Egypt to Zidon stretched well over two hundred miles. In describing Zebulun’s border, or reach, we see a picture of the powerful influence that a good testimony has. Don’t throw away a good testimony! Use your influence to help the lives of other people. See your influence as a gift from God in touching many lives. My daily prayer is that God will allow me to have a good, godly, and gainful influence in the lives of people around the world, but especially in our Bay Area.
This morning, make it a priority to have an exalted life like Zebulun. Be trustworthy, be positive, be resourceful, and be influential. It could be that God will use your testimony in a more extensive manner than you could plan for.
Have a God-exalted Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Revelation 17-19