Week 2 (Jan 5-11): Genesis 15:1-31:55 & I Chronicles 1:32-34
As you read through these passages of the Bible, reflect upon these questions individually, through journaling, in pairs, or in small groups...
1. God made some big promises to Abram and he wondered how he could know that they would happen. What promises has God made to you (or to humanity) and what signs of fulfillment has God shown?
2. God cared for Hagar and Ishmael even though they were not the ones to fulfill God's promises to Abram. Are there times when you have been outside of God's plan for your life and still seen God's blessing/provision in your life? How so?
3. Abram became Abraham. Sarai became Sarah. God named Ishmael and Isaac. What does it mean for God to be the one who gave these names? What name(s) might God give to you?
4. God's promise of a son seemed so absurd to Sarah that she laughed when she heard about it. Are there aspects of God's promises to you (or to humanity) that bring laughter to you? Is so, what are they and why do they illicit laughter?
5. In the stories of Abraham and the angel of the Lord; Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah, we read of both mercy and judgment. What are ways that you have experienced both God's mercy and God's judgment in your life?
6. Lot's daughters got him drunk to fulfill their own needs. Abraham deceived another king and wound up richer for it. Esau sold his birthright and Jacob stole Esau's blessing. Isaac deceived Abimeleck. What are we to make of the ups and downs of God's people? What do these stories say to us today?
7. God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham passed the test and God promised to make Abraham's descendants numerous and through those offspring to bless all nations. Isaac was reminded of this promise: Blessed to be a blessing. In what ways are we also called to live out of our blessings to be a blessing to those around us?
8. Abraham sent his servant to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac. The match was discerned through the prayer of the servant and Rebekah's family trusted this discernment. How willing are we to trust in such discernment for matters of this importance? Are there realities that hold us back from trusting such discernment?
9. Isaac faced several water disputes with Abimelek's servants. He was sent away and yet when Abimelek came to Isaac to make a treaty, Isaac prepared a meal for him and they departed peacefully. Are there instances in our modern setting for which this approach to "international relations" might be instructive? If so, what situations and in what ways?
10. Jacob had an encounter with God at Bethel. Gen. 28:16 says, "When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." Describe a time in which you were surprised to discover God in the midst of an unexpected place. How can we become more a tune to God's presence in our midst?
11. Jacob sought a wife from Laban and through a series of events ended up with 2 wives, 2 concubines, and 11 children (later to be 12). Describe the family dynamics in Jacob's family of origin and the parallels present in his own growing family. How can this help us to be more aware of our own reoccurring family dynamics.
12. Jacob made an agreement with Laban that all of the "speckled or spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb and every spotted or speckled goat" would be his wages. He then proceeded to breed the flock so that his became strong and Laban's became weak. Was this a shrewd business tactic or another act of deception on Jacob's part? Is this a model for us? Why or why not?
13. Jacob fled with his family and possessions and Laban pursued him. When Laban caught up to Jacob, God told Laban in a dream not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad. How did this dream shape their encounter differently? When have you received similar instructions?
14. After talking together, Jacob and Laban made a covenant together using rocks to serve as their witnesses and God to hold them accountable. What does this teach us about reconciliation among estranged family members?
May the Lord bless and shape us through our individual reading and corporate study of His word this year.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment