Even in the midst of sibling rivalry, dishonest, and family discord, the Lord continues to keep promises. As Jacob is about to despair, he discovers that God is still with him. Unfortunately we also can find ourselves in unexpected situations, sometimes of our own making, but the promise of God is that even in our lowest moments, God is there.
Worship this week – Saturday, 5:00 p.m. in chapel
Sunday, 8:30 a.m Traditional Lutheran Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
September 22, 2013
Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17
Key Verses: “And the Lord stood beside him and said, ‘I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring.’” Genesis 28:13-14
Time: around 1800 BCE
Background: Jacob and his older twin, Esau, were rivals since before their birth. Their father, Isaac, loved Esau, but their mother, Rebekah, loved Jacob. When time came for Isaac to bestow his deathbed blessing upon Esau, Rebekah helped Jacob trick him out of the blessing. Jacob covered himself with animal skins so that his arms would feel like hairy Esau’s. When Jacob fled Esau’s fury, God told him in a dream that God would fulfill the blessing. Despite Jacob’s trickery, God remained faithful.
Community: How are the blessings bestowed in your community distributed? What might your community of faith do to ensure that all needs are met? Get involved in one of your faith community’s missional or outreach opportunities and contribute to the diminishing of your community’s inequities.
At Home: How have you tried to force God’s hand? What might you do to let go of control over some aspect of your life that is begging for God’s control?
Read This Week:
Sunday, Sep 22, Jacob’s Dream, Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17
Monday, Sep 23, Esau’s Lost Blessing, Genesis 27:30-40
Tuesday, Sep 24, Jacob Escapes, Genesis 27:41-28:5
Wednesday, Sep 25, Esau Marries Ishmael’s Daughter, Genesis 28:6-9
Thursday, Sep 26, Jacob Meets Rachel, Genesis 29:1-14
Friday, Sep 27, Jacob Marries Laban’s Daughters, Genesis 29:15-35
Saturday, Sep 28, Rachel’s Jealousy, Genesis 30:1-24
Next Week: Sunday, Sep 29, God’s Name, Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17
