Jacob returns to the land
text: Genesis 32 – 35
Outline:
a. 32, Jacob meets with Esau
b. 34, Dina's incident
c. 35, Getting rid of the idols and birth of Benjamin
Comments: Jacob settled his deals with Laban. Now, he is on the move toward the river than he needs to cross to return to the land. But he gets a report – his brother comes toward him, supported by 400 men. What Jacob is going to do? He needs a time alone...
Isaac – story of two sons
Text: Genesis 25:19 – 28:9
Outline:
Introduction: Birth of Esau and Jacob, 25:19-26
a. Grown “boys”, part I, 25:27-34
b. Attack of the Philistines, 26:1-33
a'. Grown “boys”, part II, 26:34-28:9
c. Esau takes two wives, 26:34-35
d. Blessing of the sons, 27
d'. The real blessing of Jacob, 28:1-5
c'. Esau take third wife, 28:6-9
Comments: The character of Isaac is one of the most complex in the Bible. He had to go through the sacrifice experience (Genesis 22), mourned for his mother for about 3 years until he was comforted by his wife Rebekah (Genesis 23 and 24). And prayed for his wife to be able to bear a child (Genesis 25:21). Then the boys grew and he preferred one over the other... for better or for worse... that's the story.
Paradox of God’s patience
Text: Roman
9:19-33
After two
examples of Jacob vs. Esau and Moses vs. Pharoah, St. Paul asks a question
about God’s will and determination v. 19
If
everything is pre-determined, why is it their (Esau’ and Pharoah’) fault?
Two
answers:
(a) Potter
has authority over any vessel of his making, vv. 20-21, but it should be read
in the context of God desire to show His … mercy bearing the vessels of wrath
with patience – reason being that people being called not from the Jews only,
but also from Gentiles
Supported by
three quotes:
Hosea 1:10 –
return of His mercy after the prophet’s sad personal example.
Isaiah
10:22-23 – the remnant is going to be saved, in the presence of many numerous Israel
– as the sand of the sea.
Isaiah 1:9 –
Lord gave the offspring – the Messiah – for the delivery of Israel, overwise
they would be doomed.
All three
quotes are given as a description of His mercy, while judgement is coming. Yet,
the judgement is not the point, the point is God’s glory and mercy.
(b)
righteousness by works over the righteousness by faith.
The faith is
the key for the understanding of God’s conundrum of wrath vs. mercy, see John
3:16-18. Condemnation is not a result of God’s choice or election, but faith
vs. lack of believing of people.
Israelites
have stumbled with all the gifts of God were at their disposal – see 9:4-5, as
prophesied by Isaiah 28:16 – stone of stumbling, in relation to it/Him people
will have either offence vs. no be put shame.
