This week, we’ll look at lessons from the life of Jacob. The biblical record of his schemes has a lot to teach about what not to do in certain situations. But there’s more to Jacob than just a record of wrongs. This week you’ll see Jacob’s life up close and personal. And whether it’s listening to God or sharing your testimony, Jacob’s life will help you put God in His proper place on the throne of your life.
A 13 year old boy once told me about a conversation he had with a friend. Although his friend had confessed Christ, his faith came to a standstill because of a troubling doubt. "I’m not sure I can believe in a God who condemns people, even good people, to hell for not believing in Jesus," he said.
How would you respond to this? The boy told his friend, "Consider that maybe God isn’t condemning these people, but offering a place of forgiveness for all of us who have already been condemned by sin." He certainly had the right idea. John 3:17 says "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." When confronted by someone who is struggling with doubt, our best recourse is to turn to the Word of God.
We need to take powerful steps to be prepared when questions like these arise from those around us. But we don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, taking the time to search the Bible together creates space for discussion, fellowship and spiritual growth. Who knows, maybe by not having all the answers we can help our friends learn to turn to the Word. What could be better than that? The Word of God has the answers to life’s biggest questions.
From my youth, I have felt that God has called me to evangelize in the great cities of the world. Much has been accomplished by His grace. Yet so many doors still need to be opened! But when it seems as if God is going a little slower than I want Him to go, I risk the danger of trying to twist God’s arm to get things moving a little faster. It’s so subtle a temptation.
Have you ever tried to put into action God’s revealed plan with your own methods? That’s just what Jacob did when he deceived his brother, Esau. He wanted his brother’s birthright, and he wasn’t willing to wait for God’s timing. He took things into his own hands, he manipulated events, and was quickly entangled in a web of deception.
God’s way is never a tangled web. His way is that peaceful way of Proverbs 3:7, "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Is Jesus Christ the Lord of your ambitions? With all your heart, make Him Lord today. Then, He will use you in mighty ways to bring colleagues, friends, and others into His kingdom.
Jacob was cooking up a stew of red lentils to entice his big brother’s appetite because he was after Esau’s birthright. Jacob was determined to get it, no matter what it took! When Esau came home from a long day of hunting, he was famished. He begged Jacob for a hot bowl of stew. Jacob, the sly guy that he was, told his brother that he could certainly have a bowl of soup, if he’d hand over his birthright. Sure enough, Esau responded with, "Look, I’m dying of starvation! What good is my birthright to me now?" In a moment of weakness and passion, Esau ruined his hour of opportunity just to fill his belly. What a momentous decision!
While God is always sovereign, man also has a great measure of responsibility. God gives you the opportunity to exercise your free will every day, too. Deuteronomy 30:19 says, "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." In moments of desperation, gain strength from God’s mighty hand on your life. Choose life, and share the life of Christ with those around you.
When Esau and Jacob were born, Esau came first. They named him after his red, hairy skin. Jacob came second. His hand was grabbing his brother’s heel, so they called him Jacob, which means "Grabber." Both of these guys from the Old Testament lived up to their names: Esau with his wild, hairy, mountain-man attitude, and Jacob with his cutthroat desire to climb to the top. He went after his brother’s birthright, and he got it. Later, of course, he was on the run, hiding from his brother who wanted to kill him. Although Jacob was deceitful and sly at first, God had a wonderful plan for his life. The Lord worked on him and changed him over many years.
Beyond Jacob’s faults we see God’s character as He reveals Himself in the life of a man. God reveals Himself in your life and through your life, too. Paul’s letter to the Philippians says, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Let the Lord speak through your life to others. Just be obedient and faithful, and let God’s character shine through you! That, my friend, is influence!
Do you remember Jacob? His story is recorded in Genesis. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah. After being childless for years, Rebekah finally became pregnant. The Bible says she felt like there were two babies fighting inside of her. And sure enough, God told her that her twin sons would become rival nations. Two sons, unborn, and God is declaring what will happen with their lives! That’s God’s brilliance in action. He knows the end from the beginning. He saw those two sons of Rebekah and Isaac when they were conceived and He determined how they were going to be used by God.
God knew you before you were born. Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." What a fantastic verse! While you were still inside your mother, God set a plan for using your life. And He continues to work out His purposes in your life year after year. Encourage those around you today with this amazing truth: God made you and has a fabulous divine plan for your life.
Consider Jacob, the schemer, and Joseph, the dreamer. God’s interactions with these Old Testament men have more to say about your present-day circumstances than you might think. This study will help you decide whether you’ll be a stubborn, wrestling Jacob … or a trusting, fruitful Joseph.
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Do you feel as though something is missing in your life? Do you feel discouraged in your evangelism efforts? You aren’t alone. This week, Luis Palau focuses on things that can get between us and reaching our world. Listen in. You’ll be encouraged in your faith and challenged to keep making a difference.
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