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
As we ponder Jacob’s life, we can find hope that God never gave up on him.
God was with Jacob as he ran from his past, was deceived by his father-in-law, and wrestled with doubts and fear before returning to face the brother he had deceived decades before.
Through every twist and turn, God was transforming Jacob into Israel, who would be a blessing to many.
How wonderful to know that God doesn’t give up on us either! He is there guiding and transforming us into the image of Jesus.
Reflect
* Even with so many reassurances of God’s protection, why was Jacob still terrified to reunite with Esau as we read in Genesis 32:3–8: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2032%3A3-8&version=NIV?
* Based on Jacob’s prayer in Genesis 32:9–12: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2032%3A9-12&version=NIV, what was going on in his heart?
* What was Jacob doing in Genesis 32:13–21: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2032%3A13-21&version=NIV? Was he adding faithful action to his prayers or was it once again a desperate attempt to try to solve his own problems apart from God?
* What did the encounter recorded in Genesis 32:22–30: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2032%3A22-30&version=NIV mean and what was the outcome?
* Based on Genesis 33:1–11: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2033%3A1-11&version=NIV, how were Israel (Jacob) and Esau able to be reconciled with each other?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Dear God, thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to always seek Your will for my life. Help me to live a life that pleases You.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
* Our Daily Bread Ambassador Program: https://www.odbm.org/en/getprint/ambassadors
Listen:
* Why Should I Forgive: https://discovertheword.org/series/why-should-i-forgive/
* Does Jesus Really Want Me to Hate My Family?: https://discovertheword.org/series/does-jesus-really-want-me-to-hate-my-family/
Read:
* Forgiveness & Reconciliation: https://www.odbm.org/en/reading-plans/forgiveness-reconciliation/part-2
* Mending a Broken Relationship: https://www.odbm.org/en/spiritual-living/family-relationships/mending-a-broken-relationship
Watch:
* Repairing Relationships | Genesis 33:5-11: https://www.odbm.org/en/daily-devo-videos/genesis-335-11-repairing-relationships
* How Do I Repent? | Acts 3:19: https://www.odbm.org/en/daily-devo-videos/how-do-i-repent-acts-319