Then Jacob called for his sons and said: "Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come." Genesis 49:1

Shortly before Jacob died, he gave each of his 12 sons a glimpse into their future. Judah received the most significant blessing. "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his" (Genesis 49:10). With these words, Jacob revealed that the promised Savior would enter the world as a descendant of Judah. These prophetic words found fulfillment hundreds of years later. A virgin from the tribe of Judah gave birth to a son, wrapped him in cloths, and placed him in a manger.

How did Jacob receive this information about the "days to come" for his sons? How did Jacob know that Jesus would come from the line of Judah? Jacob spoke words of prophesy by the power of God the Holy Spirit. Our God not only sees the future but also directs and controls it to accomplish his will.

Only God knows the future

The graduation ceremonies occurring at this time of year have many people thinking about the "days to come." Commencement exercises celebrate academic accomplishments, but they also invite an obvious question, "What now?" Individual graduates craft plans to further their education, to enter the military service, or perhaps to join the workforce. However, even the best plans do not guarantee what the coming days will bring. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

Would you like to have more information about the days to come for you? Clearly, our parents do not possess the prophetic insight of Jacob. Only God knows the future. In his wisdom God chooses to keep most of the details of our lives hidden from us. He prefers that we live each day trusting his protection and care. God condemns any attempts to peer into the future apart from him. "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 19:31).

Our future is bright

We may not know all the details, but God has not left us completely in the dark when it comes to our future. Thanks to Jesus, we know how the story of our lives will end. When we have lived our last day on this planet, our heavenly Father will welcome us to our eternal home. God even gives us a glimpse of our future: "Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16,17).