Jacob’s three experiences

Genesis 32:23~32 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. (26~27)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #182 Joys Are Flowing Like a River (#169 in previous version)

The following is a folktale from Norway: The devil roamed the land, swallowing and taking over every village but one. The name of that village was Thanksgiving. The devil could not easily fell a group of people who knew how to be thankful, regardless of the circumstances. In the face of problems, Jacob always complained, and tried to solve his problems through his own methods. But after experiencing three things in Bethel, he was able to restore his gratitude. What were the three things Jacob experienced?

1. He experienced salvation
Jacob held onto the covenant and received entry into the blessing of salvation, but lived completely removed from God’s guidance, preferring to follow his own will. He deceived his brother Esau to snatch the firstborn’s inheritance, and fled thereafter. While on the run, he paused at a place called Bethel, where he fell asleep on a rock. It was there that God came to him in his dream and gave him the covenant that He would return him to his land. Jacob poured oil on the rock and gave worship to God. While he had previously lied and acted heedlessly of his own accord, he truly discovered the guidance of God.

2. He experienced the identity of a child of God
After fleeing from Esau, Jacob headed to his uncle Laban’s house. He fell in love with Laban’s daughter Rachel, and lived with Laban for 20 years until he permitted the marriage. After his marriage, a penniless Jacob asked God for material wealth, and God blessed him beyond Jacob’s comprehension. Ultimately, as promised in Bethel, Jacob turned his way to head back home.

3. He experienced deep and sincere prayer
Before Jacob could return to his homeland, he sent ahead many gifts to quell his brother Esau’s anger. But Esau brought an army of 400 with him, and in his fear, Jacob fell to his knees to God in prayer. As he prayed on his own by the River Jabbok sincerely and desperately to God, Jacob realized that he could not do anything on his own. God brought a change of heart to Esau in favor of Jacob who bared himself to God in sincere prayer. The greatest answer lies in laying ourselves down before God in prayer.

Forum Topic
Before relying on your own thoughts and standards, think about God’s will and power. Meditate deeply on the salvation you have received, along with your God-given identity as a child of God, and for God’s guidance.
Core Training Message / 2013.2.2