1 Chronicles 5:1-2
Genealogy from Reuben Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Though Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph),
Truth: Leadership is a priviledge not a right
In these chapters of Chronicles the writer is establishing the place for each tribe and head of tribes, within the nation. The overall purpose of the book is to chronological demonstrate the Messianic line of Jesus, as well as trace the unfolding of God's people and God's plan for their lives based upon that unfolding. In the above verses we are given a short statement as to why Reuben, the rightful first born of Israel, was not allowed to lead and why, as a result, the line of the Messiah was taken from him. His sin of sleeping with his father's concubine disallowed him from leadership and the rank he was born in to. Leadership, instead was given to the tribe of Judah and the blessing of the first born was given to Joseph, via his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Reuben's sin affected his life. Sin does that. As we see throughout history, sexual sins, in particular, sully the life and reduce those who could lead, but no longer can. David's building of the temple was not allowed because of his sin with Bathsheba. Solomon's sin with too many wives and following their gods reduced his leadership in his later years. Samson's sexual sin diminished his reputation and strength and his ability to judge Israel and ultimately resulted in his death. Sin reduces our ability to lead. Judah was given leadership over Reuben. God will take away leadership from one and give it to another due to sin. Leadership is a privilege, not a right, simple because you are born into it, or even because you desire it.
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