Genesis 49:3-4 (ESV)

Originally published 01/08/2015

As death drew near, Israel gathered his sons to tell them what would happen to them. "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the first fruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father's bed; then you defiled it--he went up to my couch!" Genesis 49:3-4 (ESV). As the first born, Reuben would have been the head of the family with strength, dignity, and power, but he lost that place of leadership because he had sex with his father's concubine. God forgives sin but does not remove the consequences of sin. Lord, help me to fear disobedience to you as a spiritual cancer and never to take it lightly. Give me a passion to obey you in every little detail of my life that I won't disqualify myself from what you have planned for me.



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