The Power of Blessing - Genesis
Read the summary of the Sunday sermon: On the heels of Jacobs deception, he is blessed by Isaac with the promises of Abraham. As he heads out on a journey in search of a wife, God also promises his presence and future blessing for Jacob. Like Jacob, we are also children of blessing. Through Jesus we have the blessings of God and are called to trust him as we walk our own journey of life.
Read: Genesis 28
Discussion Questions:
Genesis 28:1-5 highlights Isaac’s instruction to Jacob, that he should not marry a Canaanite woman. Why was it so important for Jacob not to marry a Canaanite?
What does Esau’s marriage to an Ishmaelite woman in v. 6-9 show about the state of his heart?
Throughout the story of Genesis, marriage (and the ways that it is distorted) plays a big part in revealing the consequences of sin. What does this say about the importance of pursuing God’s design for marriage as Christians?
Jacob dreams of a ladder/staircase that reaches to heaven, where God is. What does this image say about who God is/what God is like?
Look at Jacob’s vow in Gen. 28:18-22. Do you think this vow is a sign of faith, or is it Jacob trying to bargain with God for his safety? Why?
Talk about a situation in your life where, like Jacob, you recognized God’s provision and leading only after the fact. What was that experience like for you?
In verses 18-19, Jacob marks out this moment of God meeting him by setting up a pillar as a sign that signifies what happened in that place. What are some ways that we can better remember/recognize God’s presence in our lives?
How does this story point us to the good news of Jesus?
Prayer: Spend some time in silence, reflecting on how God is currently working in your life and in your Missional Family. Ask that he would make you more aware of the Spirit’s activity, and that you would find ways to participate in that work.
