I WANT TO EXCEL

"Instability is the ruin of men's excellency." - Matthew Henry

"The great secret of excellence lies in steadiness & perseverance." - Biblical Illustrator

"It is related of Alexander the Great, that, being asked how it was that he had conquered the world, he replied, "By not wavering.' " - Biblical Illustrator

"God's power and promise are a rock that is higher than we." - Matthew Henry

In the book of Genesis, we find a man by the name of Reuben who had great potential. He was the firstborn among eleven brothers and one sister. That meant that he was entitled to the highest of dignity - a double-portion of the inheritance as well as pre-eminence, power, and authority over his brethren. His tribe was also entitled to leadership over the other tribes.

In Genesis 49:1-2, it is recorded that, before his death, Jacob called his twelve sons to his bedside and spoke prophetically over their lives - "And Jacob called unto his sons; and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father."

Reuben - being the firstborn - was the first to be called. Jacob prophetically spoke these words over him - "Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel..." (Genesis 49:3-4).

Here he was - the pride and joy of Jacob - his firstborn. As the firstborn, he had the right to the preeminence over his brethren, the double portion of all his father's goods, and the succession in government.

However, Jacob's prophecy turned from the positive to the negative very quickly in saying - "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel." In other words, "You have forfeited the blessing as my firstborn. All the excellency is gone from you, Reuben."

What could have caused this reversal of blessing?

Genesis 49:4 explains - "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defilest thou it; he went up to my couch."

In the presence of his younger brethren, this firstborn was degraded by his father for his sensuality and licentiousness. Like water from a high place, he fell from his place of excellency and dignity - and all because of his unhallowed passions. He went up to his father's bed - defiled it - by committing incest with Bilhah - Rachels' maid.

Because of his foul sin, instability of character, and life given over to sensuality, he was given the prophetic word - "thou shalt not excel."

The one - who was entitled to the excellency - was told that he would not excel.

It is the aim and objective of every reasonable being to "excel." Reuben being no exception!

But, because of his wavering in principles, purposes, and practices, he was reduced to the status of - "below mediocrity." His forever changing character caused him to be always moving - never able to take a stand for anything. He never exercised control over himself - always being carried about hither and thither by every moment's desire, passion, or impulse.

Resultantly, he lost out on everything. His birthright went to his brother Joseph; the priesthood to Levi; the kingdom to Judah. His tribe never, ever did excel. In fact, in all of history, no mention was ever made of any judge, prophet, or ruler belonging to his tribe. No persons of renown were ever mentioned - except for Dathan and Abiram - who were noted for their impious rebellion against Moses. At the time of the Exodus, this tribe was seventh in population. Before entering Canaan Land, they dropped down to ninth. In the divisions of the Promised Land, they received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River where they were continually exposed to the incursions of the surrounding nations (Numbers 32:1; Joshua 1:14) At the time of the carrying away of the tribes into captivity by the Assyrian kings, Reuben was one of the first tribes to go.

"Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel."

In the book of Judges, we find a perfect example of how this tribe became just like its leader - "unstable as water" - when we read - "And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart" (Judges 4:15-16).

At first, Reuben made a resolution to help his brethren in the war against Jabin, the Canaanite king. However, due to divisions within the tribe - some going across Jordan to assist their brethren and others keeping at home to take care of the flocks, many never went. Because they were divided among themselves - not able to come to an agreement as to who should go or lead - they were kept from doing their duty and eventually declined their service.

They were "unstable as water." The bleatings of the flocks sounded louder in their ears than the groans and cries of their brethren under the oppression of the enemy. Because they were led by a carnal, worldly spirit, they ended up preferring their flocks to the people of God. They were moved by a fear of trouble, a love of ease, and an inordinate affection to worldly business and advantage.

"Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel."

As was already mentioned, it is the desire of every reasonable being to - "excel."

Perhaps you are reading this message and finding similarities between you and Reuben or his tribe. You find that you waver in resolution and are shifting in purpose. You are oftentimes led by passion and impulse. Your character changes with the people who surround you. You strive to please everybody and end up pleasing no one - including God.

What can you do to change?

Certainly, you do not want to end up as Reuben or his tribe - forfeiting your spiritual inheritance or blessings.

Your answer - as always - is found in the Holy Scriptures.

Psalm 61:2 says - "...lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 18:2 delineates Who that "rock" is - "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength."
Psalm 27:5 says - "He shall set me up upon a rock."
Psalm 40:2 says - "And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

What Reuben lacked was a true relationship with God Almighty. He should have looked to the "Rock of his salvation" for strength and stability of character. This God is strong, unchanging, firm, and enduring. He is a firm foundation for His people - fixing their steps, enabling them to walk on solid ground, and offering them firm footing against the slippery paths of temptation, lust, and passion.

"Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel."

Why not turn that around to say - "Stable as a rock, thou shalt excel"?

Your answer is found in the Rock - Christ Jesus.

Take on His character, and you will become all that God wants you to be.

Let Him set your feet upon the Rock - Christ Jesus - today.

The result?

Your "goings" will be established, and you will "excel."

Don't let it be said of you that you had great potential - like Reuben - but forfeited it all because you were "unstable as water" - you couldn't stand up - for or against anything!

May God Bless His Word,
Connie

© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved

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