Week 4 | Flawed | Jacob
SUMMARY
Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and was a part of the lineage of God’s promise to Abraham. So he was a really significant figure in the bible. But he was also deeply flawed. From birth, he had a “me first” mentality. Throughout his life, he deceived, manipulated and lied to put himself forward in life. The name Jacob means “heel grabber”.
Jacobs twin (but older) brother was Esau. Esau was due the birthright and blessing as first child. But Jacob manipulated his brother to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup.
Much later in life, when his aging father was going to give his blessing to Esau, Jacob, (at the promptings of his mother) deceived his father to give him the blessing instead.
This lie enraged his brother, tore apart the family, and sent Jacob fleeing for his life. He fled to his uncle Laban. And in poetic justice, Laban deceived Jacob into 7 years of work to win the hand of his daughter Rachel. But then switched Rachel with his less desirable daughter Leah. Jacob had to work another 7 years to then win the hand of Rachel.
Running away from his Uncle, and on the path to once again see his brother who had sworn to kill him, Jacob’s life of deceit had finally caught up with him.
The angel of the Lord (understood to be the pre-incarnate Christ) wrestled with Jacob all night in the wilderness. He couldn’t subdue him, and Jacob refused to let him go until he was blessed by God. This is a powerful lesson in our sins chasing us down, coming to the end of ourselves, and learning to come to God for our blessing, and for our identity.
God changed Jacobs name to “Israel” which means “triumphant with God.” This encourages us to not tap out, even when we’ve been caught in our sin, but to continue to wrestle with the Lord till we experience his blessing.
TALK IT OUT
Hebrews 11 says
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Let’s get familiar with the story of Jacob, his flaws, and his redemption.
•Read Genesis 25:19-34. What do we learn about the character of Jacob and Esau? What stands out to you? How does their actions show a lack of faith in God’s promises and provision?
•Read Genesis 27: 1-41. Who instigated the deceit? Jacob and Esau were 40 years old, (old enough to know better). What did both Rebekah and Jacob risk with their deceit? How did affect the family?
•Read Genesis 32:22-32. As Jacob flees Laban and is confronted by Esau once again, why do you think he sent his family and possessions ahead of him? What do you think his emotional state was? Who was the man Jacob wrestled with? (vs 28,30) How did Jacob demonstrate faithfulness and finally believing in God, rather than running to his old “heel grabber” ways?
•Jacob was always seeking a blessing, first by swindling his birthright, then by lying to get a blessing. Where did he finally find it?
•Consider; what are some patterns in your life that you’ve ran to over and over again, that never succeed to really bless you? What do we learn about the heart and mind of God about the source of our blessing?