Christian Family Fellowship - PDO, Muscat.
TOPIC: The Life Of Jacob (#1)
(Text: Genesis 25:19 - 34, 27: 1-41, 28:1-4, & Hebrews 12: 16-17, 22-24)
In continuation of our study on bible characters, we shall be looking at the life of Jacob, learning from his successes, his failures and mistakes. By His grace we shall aim to finish the first part today and the concluding part next week. During our study on Abraham, we learnt how God, with the call of Abraham, began a new era in the old testament revelation of God’ s purpose to redeem and save humanity. How He chose to raise a family (and a nation) through Abraham that would be separated from the ungodly ways of other nations, to do His will and to bring forth Jesus -the Saviour of the whole world. The Abrahamic convenant was later confirmed in Isaac (Genesis 26: 1-5) and later in Jacob (Genesis 28: 3-4).
The birth of Esau & Jacob (Genesis 25: 19 - 34).
This passage starts with the story of Isaac and Rebecca showing us how couples should be prayerful to succeed in marriage (vs 2 1,22). Rebecca by inquiring of the Lord, among other benefits, greatly unburdens her mind. We also should learn to direct our problems to the right source for the complete solution (lPet.5:7).
Why did Isaac love Esau (v28)?. What do you think is the reason for Rebecca’s special love for Jacob (Gen.25 :23, 27b)?. What are the possible implications of the behaviours of Isaac and Rebecca in the family and what are the best lessons to learn from this passage?
Bestowing of the Abrahamic convenant and blessing upon Jacob (Genesis 27:1-41; 28:1-4)
The promise of the Messiah and the land was first given to Abraham, then to Isaac. In his old age, Isaac now seeks• bestow it on Esau, despite the revelation given about God’s will for the two sons (Compare Genesis 25:23 wiili
27:29).
• Outwardly and by birth, Esau appeared the one qualified for the blessings. However, God chose Jacob, not Esau, to be the custodian of the precious heritage; why? (Rom 9:10-13, Isa.55: 8, lSaml6:6-7).
• What do we make of the plans of Rebecca?. (Gen.25:23, 2Th and 27:5 - 13). Think about the way you are doing certain things and see whether the Bible approves of it. If not, won’t you change your ways and lean more on God to direct you?. Jacob was hesitant, but Rebecca pushed him on. Parents, are you damaging your children ‘s life through pushing them into bad ways or showing bad examples (Compare Gen.26:6-11 with Genl2:10-13 and 20:1-6). Also read Gen.26:3-5. From these passages what effect does our behaviour and standing with the Lord has on our children?. Watch out parents Any unchecked sinful habits in your life tend to continue in your children.
• What do we make of all that Jacob did? (Read vs 19-20). Note all that he did. He even invoked the name of the Lord to re-in orce his lie. In vs 26-27, he added a treacherous kiss just like Judas Iscariot did to Jesus. Jacob got what he wanted, yes, what God had promised. However he secured it using wrong means. This story is a great warning to us. We must not seek God’s blessings by using wrong means. Did Jacob ever pay for his treachery? (to be discussed next week).
• What do you see as the factors guiding Isaac’s efforts at confirming whether the son that he was about to bless w~ Esau? (Gen.27:22,23,25,27).
• Read verses 34 - 38 again. Upon reading the above verses how would you (humanly speaking) have felt if you were in Esau’s shoes?
• What is the importance of the birthright; what is the difference (if any) between the blessing and the birthright?. Read Gen.27:28-29, 28:34 (blessings) and Heb. 12:16-17.
• Based on Gen.27:36, what is the understanding of Esau regarding the birthright and the blessing. Did he value his birthright?.
• As believers, the birthright has been bestowed upon each of us, through Christ and we are all firstboms (or partakers with Jesus) (Heb. 12:22-24).
Esau had a birthright of eternal value, yet a short spell of hunger made him exchange this for just a plate of red pottage (vs3O). Likewise, many Christians are like Esau today; often losing sight of the future glory that God has promised us. Do you live your Christian life like Esau or you fully appreciate and value your calling and the eternal promise that awaits the children of obedience????????.
• Read Heb. 12:17b. This isa strong warning to us, there is an accepted time when we can find God. If you refuse to value your calling now, a time is coming when it will be too late.
• Do you think that Isaac had plans of ever blessing Jacob? Gen. 28:1. Parents must have plans for all their children, not just one or two favourite ones. Every child is entitled to your blessing.
SELF STUDY
Please endeavour to read Genesis chapters 28 to 35 prior to our next fellowship on Thursday ~ July 1998