Christmas with Compassion | Day 08
Day 08 - Wednesday, December 11
Read Genesis 49
Highlight
It was customary in the Old Testament days to pronounce prophetic blessings to your sons in your last days. That is what we see Jacob doing here for all twelve of his sons. Some of them are short and simple, others are harsh and dramatic. The two that stand out are Judah and Joseph. As we focus on Judah, we see that even though his past was not clear of fault, his heart change has turned his inheritance around. Jacob proclaims that it will be from Judah’s line that “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 (v. 10).” This is the foreshadowing fact that the kings of Israel will come from the line of Judah. With the ultimate King being the Messiah.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Genesis 49
Highlight
It was customary in the Old Testament days to pronounce prophetic blessings to your sons in your last days. That is what we see Jacob doing here for all twelve of his sons. Some of them are short and simple, others are harsh and dramatic. The two that stand out are Judah and Joseph. As we focus on Judah, we see that even though his past was not clear of fault, his heart change has turned his inheritance around. Jacob proclaims that it will be from Judah’s line that “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 (v. 10).” This is the foreshadowing fact that the kings of Israel will come from the line of Judah. With the ultimate King being the Messiah.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Posted in Christmas With Compassion 2024