-Gladys Biju George
The word ‘Judah’ is of great importance in the whole of scripture. In the Old Testament, it begins as the name of the fourth son of Jacob. Leah said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah (Genesis:29:35). Later on, Judah was considered one of the tribes among the twelve tribes. When Jacob blesses his children before his death, he mentions – Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion, who shall rouse him? (Genesis:49:9).
Viewing the history it states that, Lord brought Israelites from Egypt under the leadership of Moses, followed by Joshua. Then judges reigned them, after which they requested a king. Saul is the first followed by David and then Solomon. Since Solomon provoked God to anger through his works his kingdom was torn into two. One tribe for his son Rehoboam was ‘Judah’ and the rest of the tribes went to Jeroboam. Only for the sake of David, God extended his mercies by giving one tribe to Rehoboam. Even after the death of Joshua when the children of Israel asked the Lord, “Who shall be first to go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?”. And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up. Indeed I have delivered the land into his hand.” (Judges: 1:1,2). But later on, we see that this Judah went astray from the presence of God. They went into captivity. Still, the love of God did not leave them. He spoke to them by sending his servants and prophets. God planned to change their situations. Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you when I return the captives of My people. (Hosea: 6:11). Yes, Almighty Father appointed a harvest for them.
Even though Solomon did wicked works yet God remembered David because of his covenant and mercies. In the New Testament, we see that Jesus Christ is also known as ‘The Lion of Judah’. Apostle John was on the island of Patmos for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. In chapter 5 John wept much because no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look at it which was in the right hand of him who sat at the throne. At that time we see one of the elders spoke to him. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to lose its seven seals.” (Rev: 5:5). Yes, the death of Jesus Christ brought victory and reconciled us to the Creator. He is worthy, the one whom we serve. There awaits a harvest for Judah when Lord remembers them. Circumstances may blow the winds of impossibilities but let us never lose hope and faithfully follow our Master who has appointed a harvest in our lives too. God bless all.
