Looking at the names of the sons and daughter of Israel (Jacob) we can see the portraits of Christ and the Church. Collectively all these attributes form the collective tribe of Church. A 3 part series during the month of May. Enjoy!

Tribes of Church
Preached by Apostle Aje Pelser; Harvester Reformational Church, Cape Town, 3rd May 2015
God has always had a spiritual nation in mind, there are clear portraits of Christ & His Church that we can redeem from the names of the tribes of Israel – so that the world can see the tribes of Church. Included in the list of children of Israel is Dinah the daughter – meaning Justice.
Let’s start with Jacob’s Prophecy and redeem some prophetic words for the Church and then study the meanings of the names of each tribe to reveal more character traits of God’s spiritual nation – the Collective Church.
The Prophecies
Gen 35:9 Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him.
Gen 35:10 And God said to him, \”Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob (H3290 Heel catcher or supplanter) anymore, but Israel (H3478 Jisrael: he will rule as God; God prevails – we are kings & priests to God: Rev. 5:10) shall be your name.\” So He called his name Israel.

Gen 35:11 Also God said to him: \”I am God Almighty (El Shaddai). Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. (Word for this move of God.)
Gen 35:12 The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.\”
Gen 35:13 Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him.
Gen 35:14 So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it.
Gen 35:15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.

Read also Israel’s prophecy in Genesis 49 to every son and notice how you can use the principle of the cross to eliminate the negatives and insert the positive blessings versus curses for each son. In this series of sermons we can highlight those blessings and curses as we go along.
See Genesis – Chapter 49: Israel’s prophecy to his sons before his death.

The Portraits of Jesus and the Church in Jacob’s Children

1. Reuben, “See, a son”: in church people should see Jesus, the Son. He is the center of the Church. Led by Spirit – Sons of God Rom. 8:14; Creation waits for the revelation of the sons of God; we are also predestined to be conformed to the image of God’s Son Jesus Romans 8:30.

2. Simeon, “Heard”: in church people hear the Word. Rom 10:14-15 “… And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” The Word has to be preached accurately by the sent ones. The meaning of his name implies to hear intelligently often with the implication of obedience. When God hears our prayers, He hears Himself and replies at the same time that He hears. 1 John 5:14,15

3. Levi, “Attached”: Eph. 4:16 – Every member is joint and knit together by what every joint supplies. We are attached by the love of God and as each person does its share we grow up in all things into Christ, the head. Levi served as priests set apart for God’s service. We are set apart for His service too. We do all things for the love of God and humanity. Your work in the work can be worshipful if you do it as unto the Lord. That also gains you favour.

4. Judah, “Praised”: Think praise and worship. It also means celebrated (H3063) he who has a merry heart has a continual feat Pro. 15:15 – like when David killed Goliath. When Jesus entered Jerusalem. But if you discern the prophetic Word of Israel – there is a kingly anointing – a scepter not departing from Judah. David and the kings, and finally Jesus the Lion of the tribe of Judah – one who roars strategically. The government of our lives are on His shoulders (Isa. 9:6) Jesus became a priest of a different order, not from Levi but from Judah – He was priest and King – the Firstborn among many brethren who would also have that double anointing – that’s us!

So next week we can look at the following:
Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. The elements of judgement and rulership in warfare combined with God\’s bountiful provision and joy in believing will be discussed.