Our sermon title proclaims the message of history. With each year that passes, the consummation of the kingdom of God looms ever closer. In accordance with the reality of God’s sovereign plan unfolding in time according to His eternal decree, so the light of revelational clarity intensifies for those with eyes of faith trained to behold its shinning!  This is what we realize when our spirits rise above the immediate challenges of our experience to view things from the perspective of covenant history.  Our devotion to the prophetic continuity of greater scripture provides us this uplifting means. Hence my aim in preaching today...

As for the context of our opening passage; we are reminded that legacy, lineage, reputation are concerns usually most compelling as one approaches death’s door. A dying loved one’s last words and our eulogies upon their passing reflect our hopes and values for what might live on, death notwithstanding. What will we be known and remembered for? As Jacob speaks from his death bed his last words are striking. These are not the musings of memorable sentiment or generic inspiration.  This is God’s word. The patriarch summons the last of his strength to prophesy over this infant nation.