Day 5 · The Nativity Fast
The Sceptre of Judah
“The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. The obedience of the peoples will be to him.”Genesis 49:10
Reflection
Blessing his sons before he died, Jacob gave Judah a strange and wonderful promise: the sceptre would not depart from Judah “until he comes to whom it belongs,” and the obedience of the peoples would be his. Early Christian writers such as St Justin Martyr read this as a prophecy of Christ, the King from the tribe of Judah. Kings came and went, and the kingdom fell, but the promise stood. When the true King came, he came not with an army but as a child, and he reigns over hearts.
A prayer
Lord Jesus, true King from the tribe of Judah, reign in me. Where I have set up other rulers in my heart, my fears, my appetites, my pride, gently take back your throne. Make me obedient to you with a glad and willing heart. Amen.
Carry this with you
What is competing with Christ for the throne of your heart this week?