The Promise Passed Down Again- Jacob (Genesis 28:14)
Isaac had twin sons, Jacob and Esau. God chose to continue His promise through Jacob, the younger son. Aware of God’s promise, Jacob longed to receive God’s blessing. Instead of trusting in God’s ways and timing, Jacob tried to gain the promised blessing through bribery, deception, and lies. After Isaac blessed Jacob, Esau threatened to kill him. Jacob ran for his life, leaving behind his family and everything familiar. Frightened, alone, and desperate, Jacob had come to the end of himself. At that point, God renewed the blessing. God repeated to Jacob the promises He had made to both Abraham and Isaac. “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.”
Bible: Read Genesis 27 and 28:10-15 with your family.
Family Activity 1:
Teaching Time: 20 minutes, over 2 days
Materials: playdough/clay, container with lid
Make two figures out of play dough or clay. Store one in an airtight container. Leave the other figure out over night. The next day, touch the two figures. Which shape is soft? Which is becoming dry and hard? Try to reshape both figures. Which figure is easier to change? The play dough/clay is like our hearts. Jacob’s heart was like this soft clay. Even though Jacob made lots of mistakes, he loved God and desired God’s blessing on his life. When Jacob came to the point where he was willing to trust God, God could reshape him into the man God planned for him to be.
Discuss:
- What hardens us to the work God wants to do in our lives? What does God want to mold us into? (see Romans 8:29)
- How is God molding or shaping you to step into the role He has for you in His story?
Family Activity 2:
Teaching Time: 12 minutes
Materials: eight strips of paper to form links of a chain, pencil/marker, tape/stapler
In Bible times, God passed His promised blessing down through families. God’s promise was not only for Abraham, but also for his children, grandchildren, and all the children who would be born after him. Work together to make a paper chain using three strips of paper. Print one of the following names on each strip: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Use tape or staples to form three links. Attach the links in order. Today, God still passes His blessing down through families who love and obey Him. Construct another chain that reflects your family. On the first strip write the names of your children’s grandparents. On the second strip write your (parents’) names. On the third strip, print your children’s names. On the last strip, write “next generation.” Create four links and attach them in order to form a second chain. Jesus, our Savior, was born into the family of Abraham. On the remaining strip of paper, print “Jesus.” Form a “Jesus” link. Attach the “Jesus” link after the “Jacob” link. The Bible says that if we believe in Jesus, we are part of the family of Abraham (Galatians 3:7, 29). Attach the two chains with the “Jesus” link in the middle.
Discuss:
- What did Abraham pass on to his son, Isaac? When Isaac was a father, what did he pass on to his son, Jacob? Share with you children, some of the most important things your parents (their grandparents) taught you? Let your children share some important things you have taught them about God.
- Read Genesis 28:14b. Put you family’s name in the verse. How is our family blessed by the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham? How can our family be a part of God’s promise to bless all the nations?
Pray:
Ask God to make your family moldable as He designs you for His unique role in blessing the nations.
