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Monday, August 19, 2013

Lessons From Israel: Asher

As we continue our journey through the sons of Israel/Jacob we come to Asher.  Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second born to his fourth wife, Zilpah.   Asher means "happy" in Hebrew.  Asher receives a positive prophecy from his father Jacob.  His blessing was that his food will be rich; and he will provide delicacies fit for a king.  Anna the prophetess in the New Testament is believed to be a descendant of Asher.

Asher names teaches us a important life lesson and that is life is too short to be unhappy.  In a world where everyone seeks happiness whether its from:

  • A career
  • A family
  • A spouse
  • A car
  • A house
Everyone just wants to be happy.  However though Asher brought Leah happiness she never experienced joy because her happiness was based on having more children than Rachel.  She never experienced the joy of knowing she was loved and accepted by Jacob.   What is your happiness based on?  If it is not based on the presence of God you will never experience the joy of knowing that you are loved and accepted in Christ Jesus.  Like Leah you will only have a form of happiness contingent on others and that's not what God desires for you.  The Gospel offers you love and acceptance in Him will you accept it?

Scripture Reference:  Genesis 49

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

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