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by Lynda Cherry (Author)
BORN OUT OF ORDER, neither Judah nor Joseph expected to receive the firstborn birthright from Father Jacob (Israel), yet each was endowed with powerful blessings of leadership over their siblings. Judah was given the right of kingship, and promised that the Messiah would come through his loins. Joseph was given the blessings of the birthright, and the charge to save all of Israel, starting with his own eleven brothers. The fact that both brothers were given leadership responsibilities led to a constant state of friction between Judah and Joseph and their descendants. This friction led to the eventual division of Israel. The long isolation and separation of the tribes has resulted in a complete disassociation between the tribes of Israel, a breach that must be repaired. The gathering of Israel--all of its tribal members--is essential, and Judah and Joseph must join together for that process to be successful. The hope of Israel is in the Jewish Messiah, Yeshua, or Jesus Christ. The hope for Israel is that the individual tribes come to themselves, remember their heritage, and unite once again as a covenant family. In that work, Judah and Joseph must heal the breach and lead the way.
