This series of 15 conversations revisits the story of a world-class liar and deceiver. The intent is to find insight and perspective as we explore together what Jacob, the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel contributes to the bigger story of Jesus— and to us. Even though he was a grandson of Abraham, Jacob turned out to be so dishonest that he had to leave home to avoid being killed by the older brother he betrayed. Yet his legacy is as wonderful as it is mysterious. God loved Jacob, and chose him to be a blessing to every family of the earth. What was God trying to tell us?
Receive
When we consider Jacob’s life and ponder his legacy, let’s remember that God is in the redemption business.
Even though Jacob was a world-class liar and deceiver God loved him. Jacob became the father of the original 12 tribes of Israel and God used him to be a blessing to every family on the earth.
God’s ways may seem mysterious to us at times, but we can trust that He is working things out for our good. We can trust God’s loving kindness, mercy, and grace even when we don’t understand His ways.
Reflect
* Keeping in mind the big picture of Scripture, how can a God who wants to be known for fairness, justice, and mercy, be a God who favors one person over another as we read in Genesis 25:21–28: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025:21-28&version=NIV&src=tools?
* Based on Genesis 12:1–3: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012%3A1-3&version=NIV, how is Jacob’s story more than simply a favorite son or daughter problem?
* What could be the possible reason for Jacob’s unusual name found in Genesis 25:24–26: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025:24-26&version=NIV?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You that I can trust You even when I don’t understand how You are working in my life. Help me to overcome my doubts, fear, or confusion by knowing that You are good and You are working things out for my good.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
* Our Daily Bread Stories of Impact: https://www.odbm.org/en/our-impact/stories-of-impact
Listen:
* Forgiveness, The Story of Easter: https://www.odbm.org/en/discover-the-word/forgiveness-the-story-of-easter
* Whole Man Podcast: https://www.odbm.org/en/media/whole-man
Read:
* God’s Promise to a Crooked People: https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-beliefs/the-bible-biblical-study/gods-promise-to-a-crooked-people
* How We Got Here: https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-beliefs/the-bible-biblical-study/how-we-got-here
* It’s Not Fair, God: https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/life-issues-struggles/its-not-fair-god
Watch:
* From Prison Walls to Purpose: The Cornelius Family’s Story of Redemption: https://www.odbm.org/en/prison-ministries/from-prison-walls-to-purpose-the-cornelius-familys-story-of-redemption
* Our Daily Redeemer: https://www.odbm.org/en/daily-devo-videos/luke-210-11-our-daily-redeemer