Lessons from Jacob's Encounter at Jabbok
Jacob's encounter at Jabbok teaches the power of prayer, obedience to God, and dependence on Him during challenging times. Through fervent prayer and divine intervention, Jacob prevails over his fears and reconciles with his brother Esau, showing the transformative impact of faith and perseverance.
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JACOB PREVAILS AT JABBOK Lesson 20 TEXT: GENESIS 32:1-32; 33:1-20
And he said, thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed (Genesis 32:28) MEMORY VERSE
INTRODUCTION After sealing a non-aggression pact with Laban, Jacob continued his journey homeward. He met the angels of God on his way and recognized that This is God shost . Jacob sent a message of appeasement to his twin brother, Esau. He heard his brother was coming with 400 men of war, which brought him distress and fear. This fear and distress drove Jacob to pray with unparalleled intensity and wrestle with divine personality at Jabbok. God answered his prayer by turning his aggrieved brother to a friend. The account teaches the benefit of obeying God, absolute dependence on God at difficult times, and the possibilities of effectual, fervent prayer of importunate seekers of divine intervention. Challenges will turn to testimonies when we pray.
JACOB SENDS PRESENTS AND MESSENGERS TO APPEASE ESAU TEXTS: GEN 32:1-21; MAT 5:23,24; 18:15-18; 2 PETER 1:4; NEH 1:8,9 POINT ONE The purpose of Jacob s gifts was to pacify Esau. Christian youths must not employ carnal methods to solve their problems. Some carnal methods youths employ to get rid of challenges are: hire mercenaries to write examinations for them and engage in malpractices some girls give their bodies to get marks from teachers and lecturers having boyfriends, sugar mummies, and sugar daddies to meet their needs All Jacob has accomplished in his sojourn with Laban meant nothing to Esau (Gen 32: 6).
JACOB SENDS PRESENTS AND MESSENGERS TO APPEASE ESAU TEXTS: GEN 32:1-21; MAT 5:23,24; 18:15-18; 2 PETER 1:4; NEH 1:8,9 POINT ONE Time does not always heal hurts and injuries done to our fellow humans; there is always a need for a conscience void of offence (Acts 24: 16). We must follow scriptural principles to mend soured relationships because gifts and schemes of men do not take hurts away (Gen 32: 8). Confession, repentance and full restitution must be done to be reconciled with the offended person before we can enjoy the promises of victory and protection from the Lord (Gen 20:1-8; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17). Jacob resorted to prayer after all strategies failed (Gen 32: 11). Christian youths should be prayerful and trust in God s promises in the face of challenges.
JACOBS POWERFUL AND LIFE-TRANSFORMING ENCOUNTER WITH AN ANGEL POINT TWO TEXT: GENESIS 32:22-32; HOSEA 12:3-5; MATTHEW 15:22-28 Jacob separated himself from his family, and all he had to free himself of distractions in prayer. This indicates that he meant business with God. Christian youths are to emulate Jacob by not allowing anything or anybody to distract them from praying earnestly and fervently. As a result of his importunity, he received an unexpected guest, a divine touch, and eventual divine intervention.
VALUABLE LESSONS What we can learn from Jacob's prayer encounter: 1. Jacob received divine promises and assurances; this encounter was necessary to purge and transform his life and character. God always desires perfection in those he favours. 2. God was not in a hurry to bless Jacob. Believers need to wait patiently to receive and inherit God s promises 3. The wrestling was tough and long; it lasted till daybreak because he wanted divine blessing and elevation 4. The divine wrestler weakened Jacob physically and left him with a hip dislocation. It indicates that lasting victory is not won by human physical strength. We overcome by the strength God bestows on us 5. The angel wanted to leave without dropping the desired blessing, but Jacob won t let go. Believers should be purposeful in their quest for divine intervention in life and ministry 6. The angel asked his name, and he said Jacob; Christians must say the truth at all times
JACOBS PERMANENT REUNION AND RECONCILIATION WITH HIS BROTHER TEXT: GENESIS 33:1-20; PROVERBS 17:8; HOSEA 12:4 POINT THREE Having met God in prayer, Jacob was prepared to meet Esau physically. Jacob marched to meet Esau, who hugged and kissed him. The warm embrace and tears showed that God had softened his heart. God s favour is on upon the meek. Tarrying in prayer unto God for precious blessings like sanctification of heart and Holy Ghost baptism should last until the answer is given. We should learn to pray until fire falls.
QUESTIONS ? 1. What are some carnal methods youths employ to get rid of their challenges today? 2. What should be our attitude as Christian youths when faced with challenges? 3. What can Christian youths learn from the prayer of Jacob? 4. What are the results of waiting upon God in prayer?
