“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel. “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it. (Genesis 49:2-4)
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. He was born at a time when his mother Leah was rather neglected by Jacob who instead showed more affection to Rachel. To Leah, his birth was a means to restore some lost affection from Jacob. To Jacob, he was the sign of might, strength and honour in carrying the name of Israel.
Jacob was a shepherd and Reuben was expected to carry the mantle learning the trade from his father and showing his brothers how it is done. He did seem to fit the part until...Turbulence kicked in first when he and his brothers confronted Joseph. Reuben had a compassionate heart and meant no harm to Joseph. However his plans were weak in his attempt to rescue him.
Reuben wasn't trusted by his family. His plan to throw his brother in a cistern and later on secretly rescuing him backfired when he was beaten to his own game by his brothers. They sold Joseph behind his back and convinced him with a story to tell Jacob. For a firstborn who cared that blood is not shed, Reuben seemed not to follow throw much about the whereabouts of Joseph.
The height of mistrust between him and his dad comes in Genesis 35:22 when Reuben peeped over as Bilha was taking a bath and lusted for her. Later on he lay with her. He defiled his fathers couch.
Reuben later on was unable to convince his father to let Benjamin go with him on a return trip to Egypt because trust had been breached. Reuben failed to protect Joseph years earlier and was incapable of girding his loins.
Reuben was meant to be first signs things to come. Might, strength, honor and power. His life yoyoed from pockets of strength comedy of errors and finally losing trust from his own father. His inheritance was diminished prosperity.
We have many Reubens today. Starting well with promise but lacking the character to sustain that promise. There is a quote I like and it says "like a city without walls so is a man without character". Hype, fame, 10000000 likes of your facebook page and an equal measure of tweeter following doesnt make you a success. Success is what you do when no one is watching and there is a blackout.
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob. He was born at a time when his mother Leah was rather neglected by Jacob who instead showed more affection to Rachel. To Leah, his birth was a means to restore some lost affection from Jacob. To Jacob, he was the sign of might, strength and honour in carrying the name of Israel.
Jacob was a shepherd and Reuben was expected to carry the mantle learning the trade from his father and showing his brothers how it is done. He did seem to fit the part until...Turbulence kicked in first when he and his brothers confronted Joseph. Reuben had a compassionate heart and meant no harm to Joseph. However his plans were weak in his attempt to rescue him.
Reuben wasn't trusted by his family. His plan to throw his brother in a cistern and later on secretly rescuing him backfired when he was beaten to his own game by his brothers. They sold Joseph behind his back and convinced him with a story to tell Jacob. For a firstborn who cared that blood is not shed, Reuben seemed not to follow throw much about the whereabouts of Joseph.
The height of mistrust between him and his dad comes in Genesis 35:22 when Reuben peeped over as Bilha was taking a bath and lusted for her. Later on he lay with her. He defiled his fathers couch.
Reuben later on was unable to convince his father to let Benjamin go with him on a return trip to Egypt because trust had been breached. Reuben failed to protect Joseph years earlier and was incapable of girding his loins.
Reuben was meant to be first signs things to come. Might, strength, honor and power. His life yoyoed from pockets of strength comedy of errors and finally losing trust from his own father. His inheritance was diminished prosperity.
We have many Reubens today. Starting well with promise but lacking the character to sustain that promise. There is a quote I like and it says "like a city without walls so is a man without character". Hype, fame, 10000000 likes of your facebook page and an equal measure of tweeter following doesnt make you a success. Success is what you do when no one is watching and there is a blackout.
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