This morning Pastor Johnston began a series of messages about Jacob sharing his last words with his 12 sons.

Intro - Dr Bob Jones SR. said, "Your reputation is what men think you are, Your charater is what God knows you to be". Does character really matter? Yes it does, because character (innermost reality) eventually reveals itself in conduct (outward behavior). Your present character will profoundly affect your future circumstances. We will see this play out in Genesis 49. On his deathbed, Jacob shares his last words to his 12 sons. His prophecies of their future remarkably resemble their individual character.

• REUBEN: the Shame of Incest - Vs. 3-4



• SIMEON & LEVI: the Disgrace of Cruelty - Vs 5-7



• JUDAH: the Blessing of Humility- Vs. 8-12



• the Might of a Lion - Vs. 8-9



• The Majesty of a Lawgiver - V.10



• the meekness of a Lamb - v. 11

Concl.- It's not what you allow people to see, but what really matters is what God knows about you. Proverbs 15:3. What does God see in you? How will God bless you and your descendants based on your character? II Chronicles 16:9, James1: 12, 19-25.