It's All About Me - Genesis 29:15-30
God sends Jacob to his uncle Laban where he will learn about the world, about himself and about His God.
Jacob’s first lesson comes as a surprise and catches him off guard. He learns that not everyone who should be looking out for your best good is looking out for you. Jacob also gets a look at life apart from the grace and goodness of his God. Finally, Jacob gets a taste of what it’s like when someone schemes and deceives just to get over and get what he wants. In short Jacob meets someone just like him.
God Sees. . . God Loves. Gen. 29:31-35
God is in the process of guiding and growing Jacob. God will walk with Jacob for all of his life and will guide him to Egypt in his old age. God’s guidance of Jacob highlights one of the main themes of the book of Genesis which is that God is actively in control of His creation, His people and His plan to bring salvation to them through Jesus Christ.
As The Blessing Turns Pt. 3
How does God lead his people and unfold His plan in our lives? Are we to sit and wait for extrodinary signs or impressions? Moreover, what can we learn from how God led Jacob in the events recorded in Gen. 29? And how does this passage demonstrate God's control over His people, His world and His salvation?
A Leap of Doubt - Gen. 28:16-22
Jacob doesn’t respond to God’s vision or His word with a declaration of faith. Instead he issues God a challenge. Although he sets up a memorial it’s only a temporary one. Though he knows that God is here Jacob declares that from his viewpoint this will only become God’s house if the Lord lives up to His end of the bargain. Jacob doesn't take a step of faith rather he takes a leap of doubt.
As The Blessing Turns Pt. 2
How does God excercise His sovereign control over His people? This is a question the scripture answers in any number of ways. In Gen. 27 we find that God excersises His control and ensures that His blessing falls to Jacob through the actions of Jacob's immediate family. Moreover, this passage shows us that God will use the evil designs and desires of people to accomplish His purpose. Lastly, Gen. 27 emphasizes our need for a savior. It shows us that even if we were to have direct contact with God and have Him tell us exactly what to do that we'd still find a way to rebel against Him and act out our own foolish and disobedient desires.
As The Blessing Turns Pt 1 - Gen. 27:1-13.
Have you ever wondered if the bible was true? If so the story recorded in Gen. 27 is just one more reason that it makes sense to believe the scriptures? Why? Because most societies cast the cultural heroes in the best possible light. The natural human tendency is to view our important historical figures as examples of the highest virtues.
We Are The Children Of God - Gen. 26:3-4.
What does it mean for us to be God’s children? Can we really relate to God as our Father if we haven’t had a human father in our life? How does God view us as His children and how do we matter to Him?
Jacob and Esau
History is important because among other things it is supposed to give you a sense of identity, purpose and responsibility. Knowing who you are, and where you came from is supposed to give you insight into where you’re going. Also history is supposed to give you a sense of belonging to something greater than just yourself.
Matthew 13 - The Real World
Once More, By Faith
Genesis 25 opens by describing the last years of Abraham’s life and finally his death. It’s therefore a good time to reflect back on the great patriarchs life and to once more answer the question: what does it mean to live by faith.
