Promises Week 2:
Genesis 25-44
…delighting in Him and His Word…Psalm 37:4
26:1-5 The Promise to Isaac: (i) promise that God will be with him; (ii) promise of blessing; (iii) land.
25:23 Setting the stage: Rebekah knew Jacob was the heir of the promise made to Abraham. In 25:22 Rebekah asks the Lord to explain the jostling of the twins she was carrying. He answers her with a promise that her older son will serve the younger. Years later she took matters in her own hands and manipulated the delivery of Isaac’s blessing 27:8. I love Rebekah’s familiar relationship with the Lord…she was comfortable asking Him a questions regarding her pregnancy. We can also learn from her error in leaning on her own ingenuity rather than leaning on her Heavenly Father to ensure His promise of blessing to Jacob – just as Rebekah was barren for twenty years she had to wait another twenty years for Jacob to return.
28-12-16, 31:3, 32:12, 35:9-15 The Promise to Jacob. The promise was for future blessing and immediate protection. 28:15 we can take solace that God is with us as we travel.
Aside Chapters 29 and 30. A timely lesson on “fairness”. Jacob served Laban loyally for twenty years. During that timeframe Laban tricked him and changed his wages ten times. Laban was blatantly unjust and unfair. What did Jacob do? He trusted the Lord. When we encounter a similar situation the best resolution may be to let go of the injustice, begin again and let God work.
32:9-12 A Promise presented to the Lord in prayer. In Jacob’s prayer he presents the Lord’s promise to him. We should be encouraged to do the same.
32:28 Your name will be Israel. “Jacob” looks to the promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “Israel” refers to the spiritual aspects of the nation.
Aside 40:20 Pharaoh’s birthday – Joseph interpreted the meaning of Pharaoh’s dream – the chief butler – forgot him. Birthdays – have we been born anew by the Spirit of God? As we reach new milestones – reflect on the past with gratitude and enter the future with renewed dedication to serving our Lord. See personal Birthday celebration below:
“BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
I know the date, November the 4th, 1978 well. It is the spiritual birthday of my friend Vaughan Jarrold. This is the day that he met his Lord and Saviour in Pensacola, Florida. His relationship with the Lord defines his life’s story of passion, miraculous adventures, loving family and friends. He loved and glorified his Heavenly Father in every inch of his being. He loved reading, quoting and preaching Scripture. He loved people and had a gift for inspiring others to reach/stretch beyond their comfort zone to achieve their heavenly purpose. The Lord received Vaughan into his presence this past weekend.
Fifty years ago, as a five year old (1965-1966), I personally met my Heavenly Father. I opened my heart and gave my life to Him. Jesus is my closest lifetime companion. These last fifty years have offered wonderful opportunities to serve Him and to make Christ known in my life. My wish in this Jubilee Year is to boldly celebrate – His love – His faithfulness – His Word – all for His glory.
Wendy Jarrold, Vaughan wife inspired me early on to begin this Promise Bible Study. I am grateful for her friendship and gentle guidance.
A date – yes, a single day can, in fact, change our life and our world. Let’s be bold and celebrate our salvation together with gratitude.”
Week Three: Genesis 45 to Exodus 15