As we journey through the month of Tammuz, we reflect on the tribe that is represented and what the Lord wants to teach us through it. If we are willing, He is able to unpack lessons so we can learn by applying truths to our own lives.
This month is represented by the tribe of Reuben. He was the first born of Jacob and his mother was Leah. He witnessed the heart ache of his mother, yearning to be loved by his father, but Jacob loved Rachel. The rejection, competition and favouritism did not stop with his mother and aunt, but carried on to the children. It was no secret that Joseph was the favourite. He also witnessed the injustice, deception and control from his uncle Laban toward his father. The family then experienced a nomadic way of life after leaving uncle Laban’s. Then on the run from Esau. A lot of turmoil, confusion, high emotion and sorrow.
Reuben was left with a family history of pain and brokenness of soul. The bible records after Rachel died, Reuben slept with her handmaid Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine which displayed great disrespect toward his father. This act caused him to lose his birth right and was also mentioned by Jacob on his death bed.
Reuben, you’re my firstborn, my strength, and the first fruit of my vitality. You excel in rank and excel in power. But you are as undisciplined as a roaring river, so eventually you won’t succeed, because you got in your father’s bed and defiled it. - Genesis 49:3
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. - Proverbs 25:28
Reuben had a redemptive side as well and must have learned from this hard lesson. He seemed to have a change of heart toward his father, revealed when Joseph’s brothers wanted to kill him.
But Reuben heard it and he delivered him out of their hands and said “Let us not kill him” – that he might deliver him out of their hands and bring him back to his father. - Genesis 37:21
Fast forward to the year 2020. Things have been turned upside down by the effects of the corona virus. Daily we hear of people losing their tempers and losing their minds as their emotions run high. Troubled by financial pressures, unemployment, fear, isolation and a continual change of rules and regulations. We are not exempt from these pressures, however, we are promised by Jesus, it is possible to maintain self-control amidst all these things, if we walk with Him.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble (tribulation). But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13
As God is raising up leaders in these hours, we must be stable, dependable, disciplined and always give honour, even when it isn’t fair or when the storm is raging. We can learn from Reuben not to follow the leading of our emotions but run to safety.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1 (Our 911 scripture)