Essential 100

Week Two : Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

6.    The Call of Abram (Genesis 12:1-20)

Does God “call” people today?  In what ways?

How would you describe your calling in life?

7.    God’s Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21)

Are there any things in your life that seem impossible to overcome?   

How might “faith” make a difference?

8.    Isaac’s Birth and “Sacrifice” (Genesis 21:1-22:19)

Have you ever felt God might be testing you?  When and how?

How has a “time of testing” made you a stronger person?

9.    Jacob and Esau Compete (Genesis 27:1-28:22)

Do you think Jacob and Esau had a healthy family?

How did your family experience shape you?

In your opinion, what are the patterns of a healthy family?

10.    Jacob and Esau Reconcile (Genesis 32:1-33:20)

Have you ever had a strained or broken relationship with someone close to you?

What happened?

What things have you learned from Jacob and Esau about healing broken relationships?

Pastor's Meditation for the Week:

Laughter

Isaac means laughter in Hebrew. This was the name given to the child of Abraham and Sarah in their late age. Was he named this because Sarah laughed when the messengers from God told Abraham they would finally have a child in their old age? Or did they name him Isaac because he brought them so much joy? Evidently he did bring laughter to his mother and to others at his birth. Laughter is often our response when God does something unusual, unexpected,  and unpredictable in our lives. When we read the stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we see the Lord quietly working out for the good all things in the life of this family. We see the birth of an heir for Abraham in spite of the impatient maneuverings of Sarah. We see the provision of the ram for sacrifice that protects  Isaac from death. We see the reconciliation of two brothers in spite of the conniving of Jacob. Smiles and laughter of happiness, blessedness, and often relief are all a part of the drama of this ancient family. Not too different for us, as we watch God at work in the drama of our lives making all things “work together for good.”

As you read and mediate upon the working of God in the drama of the life of this family in your readings this week, consider how God is working in the drama of your life. Laughter can be a most appropriate response as we realize and appreciate the unusual, unexpected, and unpredictable work of the Lord in our lives.

Blessings in Christ, Pastor Jim