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.”
Family Activity:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Activity Time: 12 minutes
Materials: eight strips of paper to form links of a chain, pencil or marker, tape or 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 names (the parents). 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. (Attach the two chains with the “Jesus” link in the middle.)
Bible:
Read Genesis 27; 28:10-15 and Galatians 3:7; 3:29 with your family.
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 your 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 your 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 a blessing to the nations.
