Sunday School: Jacob Called Israel

Good morning!
​We're so glad you decided to join us online!

We decided to go to Upper Buffalo today to listen to their special music.
We are not planning to meet in person.

When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the last week. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, you can get started with this prayer (source). 

Dear God,
Thank you for giving us your word. Help us to open our hearts and minds to learn from you. Guide us in our studies, and give us wisdom and understanding.
Amen.

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This week's lesson is on Genesis 32:22-32.

The struggle of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious stranger would define Jacob and his descendants.  Jacob was a twin, his scheming and trickery began at his birth. His scheming acquired his brother’s birthright.  He tricked his father into giving him the blessings aside for firstborn Esau which destroyed the relationship with his brother. He ran away to his uncle Laban to escape Esau’s wrath.  Laban was also a trickster.  After 7 years of service, the woman behind the veil was not who he had been promised. He worked another 7 years to marry Rachel. Both Esau and Jacob thrived. 

​In today’s text Jacob prepares to meet his brother.  Throughout his live, Jacob’s clever planning had generally paid off to his favor, often to the detriment of others. With his wives and his possessions safely across the stream, Jacob prayed for help. A mysterious struggle would now define Jacob in unimaginable ways.