THE STORY OF SCRIPTURE

Personal and Family Devotional Guide

Week #7 – Jacob

 

Day 1:

Read Gen. 28.

God was faithful to Jacob even in the midst of his sin, failure, and disobedience.  God re-affirmed his promise to Jacob in spite of the deception that took place with his dad and brother.  Spend some time meditating on God’s faithfulness.  Celebrate the truth that God remains faithful to you in spite of your shortcomings!

 

Day 2:

Read Gen. 29-30.

Things get passed on from one generation to another.  These “generational cycles” are hard to break.  Abraham favored Isaac over Ishmael, so Isaac favored Esau over Jacob, and Jacob favored Rachel over Leah and Joseph over his other sons.  Abraham lied about the identity of his wife, and so did Isaac, while Jacob practiced consistent deception with his family members.  What cycles need to be broken in your family and which ones need to be continued?  What positive things is God trying to pass on to you through your family and what negative things is Satan trying to perpetuate?

 

Day 3:

Read Gen. 31.

What goes around comes around.  What you do (to others) will come back to you.  Jacob deceived his family and therefore was deceived by Laban.  How have you experienced this in your life – both positively and negatively?  Consider how your present actions toward others may come back to you in the future.

 

Day 4:

Read Gen. 32-33.

Anything worth having is worth working hard for!  Rachel was worth having as a wife, and Jacob worked 14 years for her.  Think about what you’re intensely pursuing right now.  Is it really worth having or should you go after something else?  If it is worth having, are working hard to get it or are you passively waiting for it to come to you?

 

Day 5:

Read Gen. 34-35.

Jacob wrestled with God physically and figuratively.  He was even given a new name (Israel) that meant “one who struggles with God.”  Jacob’s faith and obedience were not “picture perfect,” but God was still able to use him in a powerful way.  How are you presently wrestling with God?  Is it okay to struggle with and question God for periods of time?

Day 6:

Read Gen. 36.

Esau overcame anger, bitterness, hatred, and resentment.  He allowed God to bring him to a place of forgiveness with his brother Jacob.  Is there anyone you need to forgive?  How is unforgiveness impacting you right now?