Reuben – the Unstable (Part 1)

Gen 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch

Reuben is introduced as a man with great potential. He was the first born and that conferred to him several advantages automatically in the culture of Israel. Reuben was strong and described as possessing the excellency of power. He seems to be a man that has started well, and in possession of many admirable qualities. He is already on the way to the top and described as already a man of excellence. So what is the problem.

The present may appear good but the future of Reuben is scarred because of the irrepressible law of consequence. The Bible warns us to consider our ways, our moral ways. Everything has a consequence. The curse and the blessing do not come causeless. Tozer said once “everything we do has a dual importance . It is important for what it is in itself and it is important for what it causes to be.” Often times there appears to be no consequence, but at these times it may be best to pray that we bear the pains of our consequence early when we can bear the burdens and not so much later like Reuben when at old age, the sorrow is unbearable. It is strange that Reuben is not chastened by Jacob and little mention of any consequence is recorded concerning the evil that Reuben did.

Tozer goes on to add in “The Dangers of a Shallow Faith” that it is therefore important to consider our choices. Everything we see is as a result of our choices. What we are today is as a result of choices we made yesterday. Reuben made bad choices. A person’s choices distinguish him as either wise or foolish. The wise man knows he must give account of the deeds done in the body, but the fool does not. A fool is not a man of mental deficiencies but one who acts without regard for consequences. We must choose well and choose life knowing that grace and consequences exist.

Song.

Conquering now and still to conquer, rideth a King in His might;

Leading the host of all the faithful into the midst of the fight;

See them with courage advancing, clad in their brilliant array,

Shouting the Name of their Leader, hear them exultingly say:

Refrain:

Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race,

Yet to the true and the faithful vict’ry is promised through grace.

Conquering now and still to conquer, who is this wonderful King?

Whence are the armies which He leadeth, while of His glory they sing?

He is our Lord and Redeemer, Savior and Monarch divine;

They are the stars that forever bright in His kingdom shall shine.

Prayer : Lord, have mercy on me … give me the grace to make the right choices daily. Amen.

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa