Day 24 Reading: Genesis 48-50, Matthew 16:1-12, Psalm 20 and Proverb 4:20-27 
We have gotten away from it in modern times, but in patriarchal days a father’s blessing was powerful. It reflected his prophetic view of his family’s future, based on the character of each person. We know in hindsight that the messiah, Jesus Christ, would come from the line of Judah. He would be not only King of the Jews, but King of Kings, and Lord of Lord. I wonder what Judah heard that day when he listened to his father’s words.
"Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." – Genesis 49:8-10 (English Standard Version)
"Dear Lord, I need your fatherly blessing today. I wait for your word on my future; how you will use the skills, abilities, and experiences of my life for your glory. Thank you for loving me enough to make me your child. Today I receive every blessing from you, Father God. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
