Podcast

Yesterday, we were able to get a glimpse into the family dynamic of Jacob’s 12 sons.  We read about Joseph.  He was a dreamer, a bit of a bragger, and his father’s favorite.  His brothers hated him because of this and sold him into slavery for 20 pieces of silver.  We’ll pick up his story tomorrow, but today, we’ll find out what was happening with his brother, Judah, while Joseph was in Egypt.

Reflection Questions

1. Recap the story in your own words
2. Where do you  see God working in this chapter?
3. What character do you most relate to in this story? 
4. How  do you need to respond to God in light of this passage?

I’m pretty excited about today.  We start the story of my favorite character in the whole of the Bible – well except for Jesus.  We are starting the story of Joseph!!  I can hardly wait.  So, let’s jump in to Genesis 37.

Reflection Questions

1.  Recap the story in your own words. 

2.  How does this story point us to Jesus? 

3.  Did anything jump out at you?  Did anything surprise  you?  Take a few minutes to meditate on those things.

Since we began our study in Genesis, we’ve heard about the creation story, the fall of mankind, and its continual bend towards corruption.  Despite mankind’s bend toward destruction, we saw God promise a seed – a man – that would one day crush evil’s head. 

The thread of promises continues throughout the book of Genesis, and God makes a covenant –  a contract – with Abraham to give him land and countless descendants that would bless all the inhabitants of the earth.

God’s covenant with Abraham continued through to his son, Isaac and  his wife, Rebecca, and we saw that covenant extend to Isaac’s son Jacob.  Jacob had 12 sons from Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah.  Last week, we saw Jacob break away from his Father-In-Law Laban; wrestle with God for His blessing; and make amends with his brother Esau.  Last time we checked on him, he was living in Shechem.  Let’s continue with Genesis chapter 36.

Reflection Questions

1. Where do you see God’s faithfulness in this chapter? 

2. Why do you think it’s important to list the Edomites?    

3.  Say a prayer asking God to show himself to you in a new way this week.

Yesterday’s story was dark and discouraging.  Dinah was raped.  Her brother’s took revenge.  Today, God tells Jacob to move.  Let’s see where they are going in Genesis chapter 35.

Reflection Questions

1. Did anything in this chapter remind you of another one?  Which one? 
2. In Genesis chapter 17, Abraham received a new name, learned a new name of God, and heard his blessing.  Why do you  think it was important for the author to put in a similar setting and story in Jacob’s life? 
3. Why do you think Jacob changed Ben-oni’s name to Benjamin?
4. What do you see God doing in this chapter?  What does it teach you about who he is?

Yesterday, Jacob and Esau were reunited and Jacob ended up settling in Shechum.  Today’s story might be hard for some listeners.  Use your best judgement when letting children listen.  Let’s continue with Genesis 34.

Reflection Questions

1. Where did humans fail in this chapter? 
2. Jacob’s name means “deceiver” and he has carried it with him his whole life.  He tricked Esau out of his rights as the first born.  He tricked his father to gain his blessing.  Laban tricked him into marrying Leah.  Now, his sons were deceitful in their actions.  Do you have any recurring sins or patterns in your own life or in your family lineage?  Take a few minutes to pray for God to change your heart and the heart of those in your family.
3. Sin is a matter of what is in the heart.  Does the sin of one justify the sin of another? 

Yesterday, we saw Abraham wrestle with God until daybreak. Let’s continue his journey in Genesis chapter 33.

Reflection Questions

1. Recap the story in your own words
2. What do you make of the interaction between the brothers?
3. Why do  you  think Jacob (now Israel) didn’t go to meet Esau at Seir?
4. What do  you  relate to most in this chapter?  How should you respond?