THE TRAGEDY OF LOST DESTINY (REUBEN AS A CASE STUDY)
NOVEMBER 13, 2025
TEXT: Genesis 49:2–4
KEY VERSE: “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.” Genesis 49:4
Today’s sermon talks about human character and how it can inhibit a person’s glory. The text reveals the household of Jacob, with their aged father blessing them individually before his final demise. He started with Reuben, and expectations were high. Reuben, being the firstborn, should ordinarily be entitled to inherit might, strength, leadership, etc. (Deuteronomy 21:17). Unfortunately, he received curses instead of blessings.
Being a firstborn ordinarily entitles a person to numerous privileges. In Israel, the culture of respect and prominence for firstborns was well established. So, as expected, Reuben was designed for greatness. He commenced his journey with divine grace and favour. Unfortunately, he made a fatal mistake—he slept with his father’s concubine, thereby humiliating his father.
Jacob likened him to water in terms of instability. Water is highly unstable; it takes the direction of its container. It flows without direction unless it is guided. Reuben was exactly like that. He was morally unstable and spiritually weak. An unstable man may look promising today but suddenly appears unserious the next day. His talent was not in doubt, but consistency was a problem.
The curse that was placed upon him by his father really affected his life and destiny. For instance, he lost out on his inheritance. The mantle of royalty was handed over to Judah (Genesis 49:8–10), Levi got the priesthood (Numbers 3:12), and his birthright was eventually transferred to Joseph’s two sons—Ephraim and Manasseh. Just one mistake led to generational wreckage. This helps to show that sin and instability can derail one’s destiny. God can forgive sins, but the consequences of such sins may be adverse.
KEY FACTS/LESSONS FROM REUBEN’S LIFE
- Anointing may propel you up, but you need character to sustain it. Reuben, as the firstborn, was entitled to gigantic blessings. Unfortunately, his character could not sustain it.
- Doors may be opened unto you, but once you fail to sustain them with good character, you may not achieve much.
- Moral stability is the bedrock of life in any endeavour. God needs reliability on your part to be able to commit huge projects into your hands (Proverbs 11:3). Guard your purity at all times. Lack of purity can lead to generational blessings being cancelled.
SEARCHLIGHT: Even though Moses lifted the curse to some extent in Deuteronomy 33:6, the fact remains that time wasted may never be regained. It is better not to face the wrath of heaven at all than to start looking for solutions after the deed has been done.
PRAYER: O LORD, may I not fall out of favour with You, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Micah 6–8; John 11
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
