The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Genesis 27-29
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 1: The People: God calls a covenant people
Background Information: Genesis 27-29
All four characters are at fault in this narrative. Esau sold his birthright and then tried to break his oath. Jacob was a schemer who only looked to put himself first. Isaac ignored his favored son Esau’s lack of self-control and his immorality (see Genesis 26:34,35). Rebekah deceived her own husband in order to promote her favored son. All four suffered in some fashion for their lack of character, but through all this human folly, God’s plan was not thwarted. Though Jacob was not seeking God, God went to him in a dream. He gave the covenant promise to Jacob that had been given to his grandfather and to his father. Jacob the deceiver is then deceived by his father-in-law and is forced to learn patience through fourteen years of serving him. In all these narratives there are three levels or viewpoints in play. There are the individual human lives being played out, choice by choice and day by day. There is the national level as God is raising up a people, Israel. Then above all there is the covenant making/keeping God who is working through all of human history to bring about his plan of redemption in Jesus. As you read of Esau being “cheated” out of his birthright, keep in mind what the writer of Hebrews said. Ultimately Esau traded it away, it was not stolen from him. We must be careful to treasure our birthright in Christ. It is a precious gift. “And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.” (Hebrews 12:16,17)
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask God for healing for those in our church who are sick.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.