Good morning,
Jacob was a product of his upbringing. His grandparents lied. His parents lied and played favorites with Jacob and Esau. So, Jacob learned all these traits and more. His early years were spent deceiving others. He even tried bargaining with God. It was not till he wrestled with the angel of God, did his life change.
When he met God, his named was changed to Israel, and he began living for God.
This week we look at the life of Jacob.
Jacob’s grandparents and parents dysfunction passed to him
Genesis 20:1-8 And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. (But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife.4 But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation?5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants, and told all these things in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. Abraham lied (v2)
Genesis 26:6-11 And Isaac dwelt in Gerar: And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he (Isaac) said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife; and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death. Isaac lied (v7)
We learn many things from our grandparents and parents. Children observe every action, whether good or bad. They will reflect what they see.
So, it is crucial that we do things that are pleasing to God and when we don’t, make it clear we were in error and repent. That will show that we are willing to be truthful before God.
Teaching the Bible is also crucial. The foundation for a life pleasing to God is to know the Bible and obey it.
Think about the things that you have learned from your grandparents and parents. Do they raise up God and His word? Would you teach them to your children?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001