RTW January 12

10 Comments

1. Something Old
   Genesis 32:7-8 indicates that Jacob was “greatly afraid”, and of course, he had reason to be since Esau had threatened to kill him. His own guilt about what he had done those years before, however, weakened him most and made him more vulnerable. It always does. We often let wrong things in our past immobilize us and prevent us from being bold in our faith. Unless we repent and give those things fully over to God and accept His forgiveness and mercy and protection we will also continue to operate in fear and timidity.

   Something New
   Rebekah never kept her promise to send for Jacob. (Genesis 27:45). I wonder why.

   Something To Do
   Genesis 32:22-32. Remember that it is OK to wrestle with God. (And with man) It is how you do it and how you walk away…..or limp away…..that matters. It’s OK to refuse to let go until He blesses you.

2. 32:7 Jacob (Jennifer) was terrified at the news.
   32:9 then Jacob (Jennifer) prayed.

   33:10 “And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God.”
   A simple smile has so much power. It can let someone know they are loved. It can bring joy to someone who is hurting. It can lighten a load and remind us not to take things so seriously. It can bring peace. I want to remember to smile, a lot and often and to smile at everyone I see because for some, a smile can mean seeing the face of God.

   Jacob was humble. Esau welcomed him warmly even after all Jacob had done to him. He didn’t hold a grudge.

   34:19 Shechem was a highly respected member of his family yet he raped Dinah. How many people in authority or who are trusted and respected use that authority to prey on women and children. This is sexual abuse even back then. It’s so very sad. Reading this today triggered me and my heart hurt for Dinah. I’ve read this before but today it touched me in a different way. A lot of abuse happens today at the hands of trusted friends, neighbors, and family members. It happens TO someone. It’s not a person’s fault that it happens to them. It is sin done TO a person.

   I was surprised after all those years Jacob has been away that he returned home and Issac was still alive.

   1. Jennifer, I too add my name into scripture… For me it helps drive home the message “I’m a little thicker skulled” ?

3. My something new was in Gen 35:2. Jacob told all his household to get rid of their pagan idols. This helps answer my question from yesterday about why Rachel stole her fathers idols (Gen 31:19). Apparently they were worshipping idols and not only God. Jacob acknowledged God’s continual provision, protection and blessing to his family and called them to worship only God. I must rid my lif of any idols and give all my worship to God alone.

4. My Something New: “As Jacob started on his way again, angels of God came to meet him.” (Gen 32:2)
   Praise God for His unfailing love and faithfulness to me and my family.

   1. This was new to me, too. I’ve never noticed before the obvious appearance of angels meeting Jacob. It makes me realize that we, too, have that protective care and need to be aware of it even if we cannot “see” them with our eyes!

5. Wow. Such a good message from Wendy. A reminder to me of how important it is to meet with God each morning. The main person who is against me (and whom I am against) is in my own house. I need my time with God each day in order to hear from Him, to learn from Him, to be guided by Him. Nothing is more important than my time with God.

   Thank you for that reminder Wendy.

6. Today’s lesson brought to mind a quote from Lysa Terkeurst. ” We must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world. “

7. Jacob’s life continues to have many ups and downs. But despite all the problems – God chose him to be the leader of a great nation that still bears his name today. It’s hard for me to understand all of God’s ways but this I do know – God stands by his promises. God did for Jacob what he could not do for himself. God’s promises provided a filter in which one can see the activity of God by faith, in the middle of opposition.Tests generally follow the acceptance of God’s promises. They provide an opportunity to walk in unbelief and act sinfully OR to exercise faith and trust God to do what He has promised. I Pray that when I struggle with God, that I let God win.

8. There were so many awesome nuggets in this study!
   Jacob returning home after 20 years. He had fled from home 20 years earlier because his brother was planning to kill him. We now see him at Jordan, the border of his land praying, we see Jacobs motive for prayer
   His servants just brought disturbing news. Esau on his way to meet him with 400 men.
   The scene with his father-in-law.
   Jacob and Laban established boundaries.and departed under strained conditions but God spoke to him in a dream.
   Maybe Jacobs conniving past was suddenly catching up with him.and he had no place else to turn, Esau before him, Laban behind him.
   Justified fear for his life, his wives, and children motivated an anxious prayer.
   Unfortunately sometimes, we only pray when there is nothing else left.
   Even in our weakest and most vulnerable state, faith in Gods Word is paramount!
   At the beginning and the end of his prayer, Jacob reminds God of His Word.
   i find praying Gods word boosts my faith, I know God honors His Name and His Word above all else.
   Jacob didn’t come to God because he had been so good, he came to God because God is good and delivered him from his brothers wrath.

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