Week 5 Session 1 Genesis 32 and 33 I haven’t moved an entire household since we were newlyweds, but last year I did move my entire office--not across the campus or even to another building. We just moved everything up one floor. I was exhausted! Our library move wasn’t done under the best of circumstances—we were kind of forced to give up our space to another department. I found that I had to let those departmental grudges go-they only made the work harder. Jacob too, is leaving after confrontation with the father-in-law. While they shook hands and called it good—Laban did throw that parting shot, “The Lord judge between us if you oppress my daughters or take other wives.” No love lost there. I just want to make the point that moving is hard, and traveling with kids is hard, and there was just so much emotional baggage. So it’s nice to see Jacob begin to act like a patriarch under these difficult conditions and take responsibility for his family and the broken relationship with his brother. I think probably both Laban and Esau were on his mind as he approached Edom. Jacob’s prayer in vs 9-12 shows some insight into how much Jacob has grown in his relationship with God. Not only is he speaking with the God of his father and grandfather, but Jacob repeats that God has been speaking to him. He recalls the promises God has given to him and expresses faith in them. Jacob has been away for 20 years and has become a symbol of perseverance through difficulties. In Hebrews 12:1 we are also encouraged to run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Even if, like Jacob, we kind of created our own race. This sets the stage for a long night preparing to meet his brother. In verses 13-20 note all the steps Jacob took to win Esau’s favor and protect his family. Read verses 24-32 and answer the following questions: At what point do you think Jacob realized the identity of the man he wrestled? Where has Jacob demanded blessing before? When asked his name, do you think Jacob felt he was admitting his previous deceits? So Jacob, the deceiver becomes Israel, the one who wrestles with God. And it will come as no surprise to us women that this transpired only after an exhausting night of moving around the kids, and prepping for tomorrow’s company, and then wrenching a hip fighting. Finally, Jacob received what he had wanted since his birth, the blessing that only God can give—a transformed life. And there was no trickery or lying involved. In fact, when asked his name, he owned it. "Jacob, the one who bartered for a birthright, the one who dressed in an animal's skin to fool his father for a blessing, and caused his brother's anger, that's me-- I'm the one here wrestling now. Jacob who was tricked into 14 years labor for the woman he loved, who is afraid for his tribe, I'm the one with You right now." As evidence of new life, Jacob receives a new name. And not only a personal name, but a nation’s new name and identity. No longer one who must deceive others to receive his due, Israel receives the implied right and promise that he and they would prevail in struggles. Beloved, if you are tired of your old identity, if you have tried to change yourself, if you have ever felt that the only good things you were worthy of were stolen from others, Jacob brings us such good news! The creator of the Universe, the lover of your soul is in your struggles with you! And He is so very willing to rename you. Just ask Him now. 17 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it….” Revelation 2:17 NLT Journaling Prompt: What new name would you like? Where have you wrestled with God and man in your life?
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AuthorLoving words written to increase hope. Archives
May 2020
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