Day 3: Genesis 49:10
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.
Judah was the fourth born son of Jacob (Jacob was the grandson of Abraham). Jacob was renamed Israel and had 12 sons. At his death, Israel blessed his children and the verse above is part of his blessing to Judah. A ruler is coming from Judah that would receive tribute and obedience. For a nomadic family, this promise offered great hope. Hundreds of years in the future, the scepter rising out of Israel would again be spoken of with hope (Numbers 24:17). The tribes of Israel would serve Judah, and peoples of the earth would bring him tribute. Anticipating such a day gave hope for everyday life to the faithful. Their struggle, their work, their worship all had meaning and purpose because of the hope of a coming ruler — a Lord — who would reign. This ruler would come from Judah’s lineage.
The ultimate coming king is Jesus Christ. Revelation 5:5 calls Jesus “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” He conquered death and sin and is given authority to judge the earth. Christmas celebrates the earthly birth of the Lion of the tribe of Judah. While we anticipate the Lion’s final return, we too live with hope and purpose.