Objective Seeing that with Gods help we can

Objective: Seeing that, with God’s help, we can have hope for reconciliation and forgiveness. Jacob

Opening Prayer Anytime we read scripture, it’s great to take time to ask the Holy Spirit, who inspired the scriptures, to open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to hear what he wants to teach us. v. Heavenly Father, through these words help me understand the things you wish to teach me. v. Dear Jesus, through these words let me feel the love you have for me as you feel your Father’s love for you. v. Holy Spirit, through these words inspire me to live as a follower of Jesus and bring your love to everyone I meet today. v. Amen

BADD: Jacob's Match Video Clip

Going Home �After 20 years of working for Laban, God calls Jacob back to his homeland �Jacob feels cheated and deceived by his father-inlaw �Jacob and his family make their escape in secret, while Laban is away Jacob deceived Laban by not letting him know that he was leaving. He took everything he owned and left in a hurry. (Gen 31: 20 -21)

Laban’s gods �Laban catches up to Jacob and accuses him of deception and taking away his daughters �Laban also accuses Jacob of stealing his household gods �Jacob tells Laban that the thief will be put to death, not knowing it was Rachel who took the idols “I know that you left because you were so anxious to get back home, but why did you steal my household gods? ” (Gen 31: 30)

Parting Ways �Jacob calls out Laban for his cheating ways �Jacob claims his faith is in the one true God (Really? ) �Laban and Jacob part ways, neither admitting any guilt but promising not to cross each other ever again [Laban said, ] “I am ready to make an agreement with you. Let us make a pile of stones to remind us of our agreement. ” (Gen 31: 44)

What About Esau? �Jacob tries to assess the situation by sending messengers ahead of him �Learning that he is greatly outnumbered, Jacob divides his family into two groups �Then he prays! Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the country of Edom. (Gen 32: 3)

Who’s In Control? �Jacob thinks he’s pretty smart and has the upper hand: He sends gifts to Esau to soften him up He plans to enter Esau’s territory in secret through the darkness of night �God thinks otherwise… Jacob was thinking, “I will win him over with the gifts, and when I meet him, perhaps he will forgive me. ” (Gen 32: 20)

Jacob Wrestles With God �Jacob is surprised by an attacker in the dark �The attacker asks for Jacob’s name Knowing someone’s name gives power over that person – reveals their true identity Giving his name, which means “cheater, ” is an admission of Jacob’s guilt …but he stayed behind, alone. Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. (Gen 32: 24)

A New Name �Giving his name to his attacker is an act of surrender �Paradoxically, receiving the new name “Israel” allows Jacob victory with his adversary �Israel means “God is strong, God is victorious” �So who REALLY won the battle? The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel. ” (Gen 32: 28)

Blessed by God �After much struggle, Jacob finally receives his blessing �It is given freely by God, not obtained by deceit �Jacob finally recognizes the blessings of God �The fruit of Jacob’s struggle with God is conversion and forgiveness Jacob said, “Now tell me your name. But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name? ” Then he blessed Jacob. (Gen 32: 29)

God’s Blessing � God blesses the spiritually aggressive � God is willing and able to bless those who ask � God’s blessing is big enough to go beyond us to others � Receiving God’s blessing should make us the “blessers” of others � God reveals Himself to those who really want to know Him

Go to your rooms for Small Group Return to this room for the final 15 minutes for our closing reflection Small Groups

Announcements Nov 24 & 27…. …………. . No PSR – Thanksgiving Dec 1 (Sunday)…………. . . No PSR Dec 3 (Tuesday)…………. XLT Atlanta! Dec 4 (Wednesday)…. . . …Joseph Dec 8 & 11…………………. Moses Part 1 – Italian Dinner! Dec 15 & 18………………. . Moses Part 2

What two important things are necessary forgiveness and reconciliation? Think About It

Apology � The first is an acknowledgement and/or apology from the person seeking forgiveness. � Jacob does this when he bows down to Esau, showing penitence for his wrongs. Jacob went ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. (Gen 33: 3)

Forgiveness � The second component is revealed when Esau embraces his brother, kissing him and weeping (with joy!) over the reunification. � Esau accepts his brother’s apology without conditions or punishment. He wholeheartedly forgives him, and this part is crucial to their reconciliation. But Esau ran to meet him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. (Gen 33: 4)

Reconciliation Have you ever needed someone’s forgiveness? Maybe you’re like Jacob, living in exile and wondering how you can ever make things right and be reconciled with someone you love. Or are you more like Esau, angry over your loved one’s deceit and betrayal, but eventually, you decide to forgive and hope for a chance at reconciliation? If you find yourself in one of these positions, maybe it’s time to start on the road to reconciliation.

Prayer Petitions � God, let me see your hand active in � God, bless me in my struggles and each stage of my life. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer. let me always be changed for the better. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer. � God, you break through into our world in many different ways. Help me recognize your presence. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer. � God, help me to deal honestly with others and to rely on truth rather than trickery. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer. � God, help me reconcile the relationships in my life that are in need of healing. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer. � God, touch my sadness with understanding and peace. We pray to the Lord. R: Lord, hear our prayer.

v Lord, apart from You I am nothing and Closing Prayer I can do nothing. v Please give me strength when I have none, so that I may see the best in life. Mend my world when it has crumbled so that I may help others rebuild in their time of need. v Bring me down to Earth when it seems that my head is piercing the Heavens so that I may recall, and rejoice in Your power. In my life, let me help those in need and need those who can help. v May I never forget Your power. May I never forget Your grace. May I never forget Your mercy. v Amen