Genesis 29 // God Disciplines Those He Loves

 

TEXT - Genesis 29

Jacob continues on his journey after God reaffirms his covenant with him. He comes upon a well and meets his wife, but happily ever after does not follow. Chapter 29 is filled with deception, drama, sister wives and hurt. Yet, God in his sovereignty, once again uses the brokenness of his people to achieve his goals and bring about his plan for redemption.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.

  • Look back at Chapter 24. Compare and contrast  the journey of Abraham’s servant to find a wife for Issac and Jacob’s journey to find a wife. 

  • How do we see the deceiver (Jacob) being deceived? What similarities do you see between Jacb and Laban’s deceptive practices?

HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD

  • Our God is a God who sees and he loves and notices the unloved and uncared for. Where do you see this attribute of God play out in Chapter 29? 

  • How does Jacob’s declaration to Laban, “Why then have you deceived me?” (29:25) ironically echo Isaac’s declaration to Esau in 27:35? What might God be teaching Jacob through the pain of this situation?

  • Take a look at the names of Leah’s children. Do you notice a progression and/or a change in her heart, her focus and her identity?

HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)

  • Just as God disciplined Jacob in “exile” in the land of Laban, so God disciplines us for our good. How has God’s disciplining hand rested on your life? How do you continue to see his discipline working out in your life? What good has emerged from that? 

  • How can you encourage yourself and people that you know when they are striving for the approval or affection of others? How can we fix our eyes on Christ and encourage others to do the same?