Genesis 49:1 -7

Jacob did not have a crystal ball. He was not telling the future. He was talking to his twelve sons. Jacob told his three oldest sons the hard truth. He told them things about themselves they did not want to hear. He loved them and he knew they needed to face the truth. Jacob reminded Reuben that he was once mighty and full of honor. He told him of how much his wickedness had cost him. Reuben is an illustration that while we are able to choose our actions, we are never able to choose the consequences of our actions. Reuben can seek forgiveness for what he had done, but the consequences will remain.

Jacob reminds Simon and Levi of their tendency to anger. He reminds them that their anger is a curse. He advises their brothers not to turn to them for wise counsel. When their emotions rule them, their advice is untrustworthy. He tells them that as long as they allow their motions to rule them bad things will result. If nothing changes, their lifestyle will end in their being scattered and disbursed.

How is what Jacob said to his three oldest sons a blessing? It is a blessing because of what it is intended to accomplish. Jacob does not tell them the truth to hurt them. He tells them the truth in order that they might be enlightened and changed by it. Simon and Levi can learn to control their anger. They can learn, and choose to be compassionate instead of cruel. Reuben can accept the consequences of his actions and determine to live a life of purity. If the three sons heed their father’s words, their lives will change. As a result, they will be happier.

We all need someone who loves us enough to tell us the truth. God is truth, and He is Love. We may need to face some painful truths. God will speak the truth, but we must choose to hear it. It may hurt, but it can heal. Healing truth can be a blessing.