Daily Devotion Thursday Thoughts | January 22, 2026
It’s Thursday, and time for your daily devotion. In Genesis 49, Jacob gathers all twelve of his sons together before he dies. He prophesies to them about their futures; some are blessed, while others aren’t. In today’s daily devotion, it’s evident that Jacob’s oldest sons are held accountable.
The Oldest Son
In verse 3, Jacob begins with Reuben, his firstborn, calling him “the beginning of my strength,” and “the excellency of power.” As the oldest son, Reuben could’ve been a great example for his brothers, but he’s not. In verse 4, Jacob says this of Reuben: “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel.” Reuben had dishonored Jacob and defied his authority by sleeping with his concubine. His firstborn rights as heir are stripped away.
Accountability is Required
Although Reuben wanted to rescue Joseph and return him home, he chose to be a part of the lie that caused his father to believe Joseph was torn apart by a wild animal. In all the years that passed, he never confessed the truth to his father. It’s one thing to do wrong, but it’s another to lie and then cover it up. When you live for God, you seek to live true to His word. The Holy Spirit leads you to walk in truth.
And God gives you a conscience that should lead you to moral accountability. Although Reuben tried to take responsibility as the eldest, he was complicit in the cover-up, deciding to live in denial and deception. In your daily devotion, realize that when people don’t live in truth, they live a lie.
The Next Older Brothers
After addressing Reuben, Jacob turns to Simeon and Levi, calling them “instruments of cruelty.” Another translation describes them as vindictive, deceitful, and wrathful. This rebuke from Jacob stems from Simeon and Levi killing the men of Shechem, whom Jacob had agreed to ally with, threatening their safety in the land.
They justified it by claiming to vindicate their sister’s rape, but they acted alone, dismissing Jacob’s leadership. Jacob proceeds: “Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.” These bloodthirsty brothers will have descendants who will be scattered rather than united in power.
In today’s daily devotion, notice that doing things your own way, without God’s wisdom and direction, causes evil to arise for everyone involved. A pecking order in Middle Eastern societies gives the elders of a group more influence. Simeon and Levi’s influence canceled their leadership rights.
An Unlikely Leader Emerges
When Jacob addresses Judah, his tone shifts. Although Judah hadn’t been saintly, he was exonerated in the matter of his daughter-in-law, acknowledging her righteousness was greater than his, and had no more relations with her. He changed and got his act together after that. Jacob declares, “Judah, you are the one whom your brothers shall praise.”
It was Judah’s idea to sell Joseph and make a profit, but by now, he’s transformed. The three oldest brothers are stripped of leadership, making Judah the new leader. In your daily devotion, rejoice that Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. As Jacob declares, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah.” From Judah will come the Messiah.
Walking in the Light
In today’s daily devotion, determine that, as a believer, you’ll walk in the light of God’s word. Jacob goes on to prophesy blessings over the rest of his sons. In verses 10-12, he prophesies of Jesus as Savior to come. In Thursday’s daily devotion, declare that evil voices won’t influence you. When you’re full of God’s word, you’re blessed, not cursed, as you walk in His Light.
