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CHRIST IN THE LAST WORDS OF JACOB (2)
GENESIS 49:1
Good News From The Redeemer

Sermon by Pastor Daniel Parks
JANUARY 22, 2000 - RADIO MESSAGE #303

IV. Christ is “Shiloh” (v.10): “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.”

The “lawgiver” is the ruler. The “scepter” is the symbol of his regal authority. Among the tribes of Israel, these were to belong to Judah “until Shiloh comes.” The meaning of “Shiloh” is not with certainty known. But its identity is certainly found in Christ. Therefore, from the time of David until the coming of Shiloh, the Christ, the royalty of Israel was found in the tribe of Judah.

But with the coming of Christ, this royalty is permanently found in Him (Hebrews 1:8f): “But to the Son [God the Father] says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.’” Christ is therefore forever enthroned on the throne of His father David as the eternal King of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29-33).

The blessings described in verses 11-12 -- the choice vine, the blood for washing garments, and that which produces a beautiful countenance -- are typical of those which are found in Shiloh the Christ (as in John 15:1; Revelation 7:14; Ezekiel 16:1-14).

V. Christ is Jacob’s “Salvation” (v.18). In the midst of his prophecies concerning his sons, Jacob exclaimed “I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!” The salvation which Jacob desired was not merely that which he would find when he would be “gathered to his people” in heaven (as in v.33). Rather, he desired also, and even more so, that salvation which is personified in Christ.

The ungodly look for salvation in some thing: good deeds, baptism, law-keeping, sabbath-observance, church membership, rituals, pilgrimages, ad infinitum ad nauseum.

But lovers of Jehovah look for salvation in a person. And not just any person! (such as the founder of a religion). Rather, lovers of Jehovah look for salvation in the person of Jehovah Himself, declaring “The LORD is my salvation” (Psalm 27:1). Jehovah manifests Himself as Salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, those who have beheld Christ declare “my eyes have seen Your Salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).

VI. Christ is the “Shepherd” (v.24). The prophecy of this Shepherd is found in the blessing of Jacob to Joseph, the shepherd of Israel during their time in Egypt.

But with the coming of Christ, a greater shepherd than Joseph has arrived -- one who is “Jehovah the Shepherd” (Psalm 23), the “Good/Ideal Shepherd” (John 10:11), the “Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20), the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), and the “Shepherd of the saints’ souls” (1 Peter 2:25). Christ is therefore the subject of Psalm 80. He is in this Messianic psalm identified as the “Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim” (v.1); and as “LORD God of hosts” (vv.4,7,14,19). His Israel prays to Him what Joseph could never perform: “Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” (vv.3,7,19).

VII. Christ is the “Stone of Israel” (v.24). This prophecy is, like the preceding, also found in Jacob’s blessing to Joseph, the stone of support for Israel during their time in Egypt.

But God promised to Israel a foundation stone even more sure and secure than Joseph (Isaiah 28:16): “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” This One would be “the stone which the builders rejected,” but through God would “become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). Christ is this Stone of Israel (1 Peter 2:4-7).

Is Christ your King and Salvation and Shepherd and Foundation, and the object of your praise?

Your servant for Jesus' sake.
Address all questions to pastor
Daniel E. Parks (2 Corinthians 4:5) e-mail RedeemerBC@aol.com
Pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church
2801 Cleveland Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40206 / 502.899-9205

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