TEXT - Genesis 31
Jacob is called by God to return to his homeland. He leaves secretly with his wives and children in tow. Laban aggressively pursues Jacob and his family but God protects his people. After 20 years of deception, idolatry and greed, Jacob is finally free of Laban and has grown greatly in his faith.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What does the Lord command Jacob to do? Does this remind you of any other times that the Lord has spoken during Genesis?
Read Genesis 30:25-43. Then read Genesis 31:4-14. What does Jacob do to try to affect the breeding? Does this work?
How does Jacob’s relationship and story with Laban resolve?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Where do we see evidence of change in Jacob? How has God worked through Jacob for his glory?
God protected Jacob from Laban in many ways. Where have you seen the protection of God in your own life?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Have you experienced God telling you to “get up and go” like he does to Abraham and Jacob? Did you respond in faith? How can we prepare to respond in faith if/when the time comes?
We are not sure why Rachel brought the household idols along with her but she may have been holding onto them because of her faith in them or because of their material value. In what ways do you hold tight to things of this world instead of Christ? What can you do this week to release your grip on worldly things and fix your eyes on Christ?