Episode Jacob and Jesus | Week 3
Despite Jacob's deceiving ways, God still loved him. Come along as we explore how God chose Jacob to be a blessing to every family of the earth. What was God trying to tell us?
Chapter 11
The Bible warns, “You reap what you sow.” And the Old Testament character, Jacob, planted quite a few destructive seeds within his family. The result of which should have been, and sometimes was, a harvest of pain. But in this Discover the Word conversation, Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and Bill Crowder discover how Jacob also received what he didn’t deserve . . . an outpouring of God’s grace! Learning to lean on the promise of mercy . . . on Discover the Word.
Chapter 12
It was the most lopsided fight in human history. Did Jacob actually believe he had a chance in a wrestling match against the God of the universe? In this episode of Discover the Word, Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and Bill Crowder talk about wrestling with God. We’ll learn from Jacob’s example how to manage our own inner struggles with the Lord. An important discussion with the Discover the Word team.
Chapter 13
The more we discover about the Old Testament character Jacob . . . the more we may wonder why God would ever want to be associated with such a person . . . let alone have a relationship with him! Join the Discover the Word group as they discuss who God chooses to be a part of His family! We’re getting to know “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” . . . on Discover the Word!
Chapter 14
Ever felt like you and the Lord were going toe-to-toe over an issue in your life? In this edition of Discover the Word, Mart DeHaan, Elisa Morgan, and Bill Crowder study Genesis chapter 32 and Jacob’s wrestling match with God, and discover that God is not against us . . . but rather, He’s for us! Our series called Jacob and Jesus continues . . . on Discover the Word!
Chapter 15
It’s part of our nature to narrow our focus onto ourselves. Our lives are so often “all about me.” But if we can take a step back, and broaden our focus, we may be able to see what God is doing on a wider scale! Be part of this Discover the Word conversation as the group finishes their study of the life of Jacob . . . and learns how our lives fit into God’s grand, unfolding plan.
About This Episode
- Show Notes
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?
- Based on Jacob’s prayer in Genesis 32:9–12, what was going on in his heart?
- What was Jacob doing in Genesis 32:13–21? 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 mean and what was the outcome?
- Based on Genesis 33:1–11, 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.”
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