I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 28:15
Lies, sibling rivalry, deceit.....there's really nothing new under the sun. It's all been done before!
Footnotes on Jacob:
Although Jacob got the blessing he wanted, deceiving his father cost him dearly. These are some of the consequences of that deceit:
1. he never saw his mother again
2. his brother wanted to kill him
3. he was deceived by his uncle, Laban
4. his family became torn by strife
5. Esau became the founder of an enemy nation
6. he was exiled from his family for years
Ironically, Jacob would have received the birthright and blessing anyway (25:23). Imagine how different his life would have been had he and his mother waited for God to work his way, in his time!
Despite all of this, some lessons learned from Jacob's life are:
1. security does not lie in the accumulation of goods and
2. all human intentions and actions - for good or evil - are woven by God into his ongoing plan.
Ironically, Jacob would have received the birthright and blessing anyway (25:23). Imagine how different his life would have been had he and his mother waited for God to work his way, in his time!
Despite all of this, some lessons learned from Jacob's life are:
1. security does not lie in the accumulation of goods and
2. all human intentions and actions - for good or evil - are woven by God into his ongoing plan.
A comforting thought -- no matter what's going on, God is still in control. Even when we make bad choices or decisions, God still has the ability to turn it around for good when we humble ourselves and seek Him!
What did you think about the story of Rachel and Leah? Do you feel sorry for Leah because she wasn't loved by Jacob OR bad for Jacob that he was tricked by Laban and had to work another 7 years for Rachel OR do you have sympathy for Rachel because she was barren? Talk about a love triangle.............
What did you think about the story of Rachel and Leah? Do you feel sorry for Leah because she wasn't loved by Jacob OR bad for Jacob that he was tricked by Laban and had to work another 7 years for Rachel OR do you have sympathy for Rachel because she was barren? Talk about a love triangle.............
Keep reading -- 356 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
What is the deal with these weak men that God chose? All of their wives have to be their sister so they will not be killed. I am thankful we get to read about mighty men of God who still struggled with a lack of faith. Makes me fill better about my own shortcomings and faults.
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