Gen 28:1-9
What command did Isaac give to Jacob?
Do not marry a Canaanite. Go to Paddan Aram (Mesopotamia) and take a wife from the daughters of Laban.
Describe the challenges involved in Jacob's decision to obey and go to Harran.
Dangerous, long, difficult journey (600 miles). He left his family, was alone in a foreign land, and slept on the ground with a rock for a pillow.
In what ways did Jacob respond to God's presence?
Jacob acknowledged God's presence; he was afraid; he set the stone as a pillar and poured oil on it setting land apart as a holy place of meeting w/God.
God provides for every creature He has made. We do not have strength or goodness on our own, but God gives is to us generously.
Provider
God's powerful kindness poured out on the undeserving.
What is grace?
Isaac already blessed Jacob in Gen 27. How was Isaac's blessing of Jacob different this time?
Previous: focused on rich land and family leadership.
Now: covenant blessing made to Abraham: Messiah, land, and glory of the people of Israel. Isaac had a right attitude acknowledging God's choice of Jacob as the heir.
Compare the description of Jacob's dream with what Jesus said in John 1:51.
Jacob: a ladder or stairway connected heaven & earth. God's angels when up and down the ladder.
Jesus: I am the ladder.
What did Jacob call the place where God met him?
Bethel (House of God)
Beth El or Beit El
God controls all things. There is nothing outside of God's wise control.
Sovereign
To know God, love Him, enjoy Him, and glorify Him.
What is the purpose of my life?
What choices did Esau make in response to Jacob's blessing?
Went to Ishmael and took a wife from one of his daughters (3rd wife).
What were God's promises to Jacob regarding land, descendants, blessings, & God's presence remaining with him?
I will give you and your descendants the land on which you lie. Your descendants will be like dust of the earth and spread out. All peoples on earth would be blessed through you & your offspring (Messiah). I am with you, will watch over you and bring you back to this land. I will not leave you till I have done what I have promised.
What did Jacob need from God to fulfill his vow?
God's presence, protection, and provision
God saves people regardless of what they have done or will do. There is nothing anyone can do to force God's hand or to put God in their debt.
Impartial
He is the Creator and holds everyone & everything together. He is holy & does not change.
Who is God?
What truths about God could you encourage someone like Esau to act on?
Personal Answers
When has obedience to God's Word comforted or challenged you during a lonely time?
Personal Answers
How does this chapter challenge you to spend time with God in His Word?
Personal Answers
From the beginning when God made Adam & Eve, He was near. His Spirit lives in every believer. Whenever you pray, He hears you.
Accessible
Talking with God by praising Him, thanking Him, confessing our sins, and asking Him for our needs & desires.
What is prayer?
God graciously _________ for His people.
provides
God graciously ____ and _____ His people.
forgives, blesses
God provides the way to know, ____, trust and ____ Him.
love, obey
God gives us His Spirit, adopts us into His family, and makes us His children. God loves, protects, cares for, trains, and disciplines His children.
Father
Death is the punishment for sin. Jesus willingly died on the cross in our place. He bore the full wrath of God against sin. He frees us from slavery to and punishment for sin.
Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?