Genesis 32—33: Planning and Praying
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE is a mysterious mixture of God's work and ours, his gracious provision and our effort. Sometimes we are perplexed over who should make the next move. We see this pattern in the life of Jacob, whose planning and praying, laboring and believing are prominent in this narrative. The previous study ended with reconciliation and peaceful departure. Now Jacob resolutely heads toward another confrontation with his adversary of twenty years earlier—his brother Esau, whom he cheated. Jacob combines planning and prayer as he obeys God's command to return to his country and relatives. His struggle can teach us how to redress past wrongs and effect reconciliation with someone we have injured.
Warming Up to God
As you sit before your Father, remember that he has also come to be with you. Rest with him and enjoy his presence while he teaches you about himself.
Read Genesis 32—33. »
Discovering the Word
- After Jacob receives the ominous report brought back by the servants (32:6), he alternately plans and prays. How does his prayer in 32:9-12 reflect his relationship with God at this point?
- To what extent do you think Jacob's plans are consistent or inconsistent with his prayer (32:13-21)?
- How does the struggle with the unknown man give insight into Jacob's personality (32:22-32)?
- How does the change of Jacob's name from "he deceives" to "he struggles with God" indicate the development of his character?
- In what ways does this meeting between Jacob and Esau (chapter 33) contrast with the last time they saw each other (chapter 27)?
Applying the Word
- In what ways can Jacob's prayer be a model for our own praying?
- In what areas do you struggle to trust and obey the Lord?
- In what areas can Jacob's actions toward Esau be a model for us of repentance and reconciliation?
Responding in Prayer
Praise the God of the world, your Father, for being a God who changes names. Ask him to "rename" you as one in the image of his Son.
For Further Study
Jacob & the Prodigal by Kenneth E. Bailey