TEXT - Genesis 32-33
As Jacob returns home, he fears being reunited with his brother, Esau. Will Esau still be angry? Will Jacob be able to appease him? Before Jacob and Esau reunite, God meets Jacob "face to face." Through this encounter, Jacob learns an important lesson: the greatest approval needed is not that of man, but of God. Here we learn how God uses the tools of confronting our fears, learning our weakness, and relationships with others to conform us into the image of Christ
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What is Jacob’s greatest fear in Genesis 32? How does God bring him comfort and change his perspective?
Why does God wrestle Jacob? What is God teaching him in this encounter?
What’s the significance of Jacob confessing his own name to God in 32:27? What’s the significance of his name change?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
What kind of prayer does Jacob pray as he fearfully anticipates meeting Esau? How might this shape the heart of your prayers?
What fears and anxieties threaten to rob you of joy in life? How do the truths in these chapters bring you comfort? What other hope-giving passages come to mind?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
How does the gospel motivate you to pursue reconciliation with others? As you consider relational-rifts in your own life, what practical steps can you take toward reconciliation?
Allen Ross writes, “The Lord must on occasion ‘cripple’ self-sufficient believers in order to bless them.” How have you experienced this in your own life?