Arise and Abide

Reading from Genesis 34:1-31 (NLT) ~ Revenge against Shechem ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The picture of everyone doing what they think is best next results in creating more sin and death. The entitled prince living as though there are no consequences, waiting for God when you are wronged. The escalating cycle of violence that occurs when we think we’ve been wronged. We are called to be like Christ, with a dying to self, sort of forgiveness.

Reading from Genesis 33:1-20 (NLT) ~ Jacob and Esau Make Peace ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Why did Jacob go to Succoth and not follow Esau to Seir? Jacob and Esau’s change of heart. Our reflexes and responses take can take some time to change and grow into God’s character. Areas that cause fear are areas for us to grow in faith. The hip injury underlining the point that God is going to give the victory and favor. Jacob's growth process. El-Elohe-Israel means God, the God of Israel.

Reading from Genesis 32:22-32 (NLT) ~ Jacob Wrestles with God ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Years of walking in the hope of God’s promise, but not fully trusting God, comes to a head in a face-to-face wrestling match in which Jacob is victorious but walks away injured and blessed by God. Jacob’s fear standing in the way of fully trusting God to be his own and being able to not just walk out his faith but live in faith.  Jacob wanting to take the blessing and control the one who blesses.  

Reading from Genesis 32:1-21 (NLT) ~ Jacob Sends Gifts to Esau ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Humanity sees God’s provision in their life but because of the mess we create, because of our poor choices, have trouble walking out in boldness of faith. His prayer to God reminding himself and God of the promise to keep him safe. God has brought him though so much already. The power of our testimony for our own encouragement and for others to reset their attention on God.

Reading from Genesis 31:22-55 (NLT) ~ Jacob Flees from Laban ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The excitement of the chase, and the closure between Laban and Jacob. The LORD intervening to keep Laban from destroying Jacob. The LORD’s promise to Abraham compels God to break into Laban’s dream. Laban still claiming ownership of all Jacob has. Laban processing the loss.

Reading Psalms 35:1-28 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Let God fight your battles for you. Ask God to bring justice. God sees everything and has the best perspective. Ask God to ack on His perspective and not ours. Going to God do deliver us. Ask God for His perspective and be ready to repent. Meditate throughout the day on the truth that God is witness to your life. Finding peace with God requires introspection and allowing God to hold the mirror up to your heart.

Reading from Genesis 31:1-21 (NLT) ~ Jacob Flees from Laban ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The mistrust in the relationship compounded by the way God continued to bless and show favor to Jacob. The perspective of Leah and Rachel who are feeling mistreated. The increase Laban experienced because of Jacob is diminishing. Laban’s sons believing what Jacob has should be theirs. Focusing on money and not the relationships. Living in the reality of the sin gap that keeps us from going to the LORD.

Reading from Genesis 30:25-43 (NLT) ~ Jacob’s Wealth Increases ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Laban recognizing God’s hand of blessing over Jacob’s efforts. Jacob tries to show Laban that he doesn’t want to cheat Laban out of any sheep or goats but then gets cheated. God prospered Jacob because of His goodness and promise to Abraham. Jacob tried to bring about the blessing, but God’s purpose is what prevails.   

Reading from Genesis 29:31-30:24 (NLT) ~ Jacob’s Many Children ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Continuing the pattern of sibling rivalry and the blame game. The way God used the brokenness of humans to exponentially grow Jacobs line. We have an amazing God. The sibling rivalry that takes away from the potential joy. Jacob not showing love, affection, or respect to Leah. God uses the broken.

Reading from Genesis 29:1-30 (NLT) ~ Jacob Arrives at Paddan-Aram, Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jacob treating his brother with trickery, is later tricked by his uncle Laban. Lazy shepherds? Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to shift how things are done. You have the choice to do things differently. Hardworking Jacob, motivated out of his love for Rachel.