Week 4 | Genesis 27-38

This week, we look at the life of the patriarch Jacob. I’m convinced that Genesis is written to tell the people of Israel that God can be trusted to keep His promises, even when sin and evil seem like they are going to destroy God’s plan. God will not be stopped in restoring the world to the way it is supposed to be. He will be kind to sinners and faithful to His promises because that is who He is!

Key Themes

• God is kind to sinners. This repeated theme is all throughout the Bible. The Lord (Yaweh) is merciful to sinners--He does not give His children the punishment they deserve. In fact, when we talk about God being wrathful, we are describing the reality that His heart hates unrighteousness. The story of Jacob not only advances the narrative in time and space--God has purposefully included these narratives to reveal His character and His heart towards sinners.
• What does the blessing of God on sinners and cheaters show you about God? How do these stories increase your view and understanding of the Gospel?
  • The importance of names. This week, we see an important name change occur. Jacob, whose name means “the cheater” is renamed by God in Genesis 32. What evidence do you see of how this name “the cheater” describes Jacob’s life and actions?
  • God gives Jacob a new name--Israel which means “he strives with God.” Why does he rename him this? What is the significance of that name?
• The nation of Israel is made up of 12 tribes--the 12 sons of Jacob! This name change is significant because in it, we begin to see the fulfillment of the promise that God would make them into a great nation. 

Resources

Below are additional resources to help you engage with the narratives we are reading this week and have already covered.

What is a theophany?
Which promises are for me?

Questions for Application

What are some of the promises God has given to His people that you can recall from scripture? How do these promises shape your perspective, goals, decisions, and actions on a daily basis?

Whether we recognize it or not, God is at work in our lives and in our trials. How does this truth comfort you today?

The Gospel has the power to heal and reconcile our relationship with God and our relationship with others. What relationships need to experience this extravagant repentance and reconciliation?