Jacob’s last words to his sons were prophetic and extended well into the future.

The firstborn of Jacob – Reuben.
(NASB) Genesis 49:3-4 “Reuben, you are my firstborn;
My might and the beginning of my strength,
Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.
4 ‘Uncontrolled 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.”

Reuben, many years before, had “sex” with one of Jacob’s concubines.  He did not control his lust – and it cost him dearly.  (Genesis 35:22)

Reuben – the firstborn of Leah and Jacob
The rights of the firstborn were taken away from Reuben.

Joseph – the firstborn of Rachel and Jacob
The rights of the firstborn were given to Joseph.

The rights were not taken away because of who Reuben’s mother was; but, because of his own sinful actions.

Each of us, you and me, are responsible for our own actions; for our own sins.  No one else is responsible.

Your parents, my parents, are not responsible for our sins.  We are responsible for our own sins.

Spouse’s and children, or anyone else are NOT responsible for our sins… we are!  We cannot blame anyone else for our sins, they are ours.

Notice that Reuben was not taken out of Jacob’s family; only his privilege of being the firstborn was taken away.

Because of my sins, because I am responsible for my sins, I need a Savior.  His name is Jesus.

When Jesus died on the cross, my sins were given to Him as if they were His.  If I refuse or reject Jesus as my Savior, I will be responsible before God for my sins.  God’s wrath will be on me, myself.  His wrath is against all sin.

By receiving Jesus as my Savior, I am accepting that He bore my sins.  He suffered the wrath of God for my sins when He was on the cross at Calvary.

God fully accepted Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for all my sins and yours.  When I received Jesus as my Savior; consciously and deliberately, I am saved from God’s wrath – for all eternity.

~ Take it to heart ~

Are you responsible for your sins OR by faith, did Jesus pay the full price for your sins on the cross?
(NASB) Acts 10:43 “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”