Scripture Reading: Gen 49:4
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.

Reflections: Reuben is the first born of Jacob but he failed to occupy the place of honor and dignity accorded firstborns in Israel. The last words he received from his dying father pointed to a bleak future for him and his posterity. The bottom line was that he was never going to excel in life. This was due to the lustful sexual passion that controlled his life which made him as ‘unstable as water’. Water becomes unstable until it is confined or controlled. Once unstable, it strays even into forbidden terrains, proffering destroying effects. Reuben failed to control his sexual passion and went ahead to even have sex with his father’s wife. This totally forbidden venture, cost him dearly as he learnt from his father’s dying words that he had been disengaged from ever excelling in life. Learn to control your sexual passion lest it makes you ‘unstable as water’ and ends up robbing you of honor and dignity in life.

Prayer: Oh Lord, help me control my sexual desires.

Confession: I control my sexual passion. I don’t stray off.