Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of October 31, 2021

Weekly reading: Genesis 31-35; Psalm 61-62
Passages referenced: Genesis 28:10-16; 32:9-11; Psalm 3:5-6; Zechariah 4:6; Galatians 6:7

As we read this passage in the book of beginnings, we see examples of generational sins learned, repeated, and perfected in word, thought, and deed. Deception, trickery, and lies are coupled with selfishness, revenge, and murder. The adage “what goes around comes around” is lived out in the lives of God’s chosen people. As we read the events of Genesis 34, we sadly realize that with the passing of more than two thousand years, there is not much distance between Jacob’s world and ours.

Our reading for this week begins with Jacob and the restlessness he experiences working for and living with his father-in-law, Laban, for two decades. It has become evident to all that God is with Jacob. God’s unfailing love and abundant blessing are on Jacob and his household (Genesis 32:9-10). Laban’s response is one of duplicity and deception. He is both delighted and distraught with God’s favor given to Jacob, even though he and his household have benefited from Jacob’s labors. The tools of hiddenness and half-truths are employed by all, as Jacob’s large household moves quickly and quietly through the night to flee unsuccessfully from Laban. As we read the end of Genesis 31, we are heartened by the treaty made between Jacob and Laban, the sacred oaths taken, and the covenant feast observed to worship the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

In obedience to God, Jacob continues to journey to the land of his fathers in Genesis 32 and 33, passing through the land God has provided for Esau. Esau’s territory reminds me of the rhythmic children’s song, “Going on a Bear Hunt.” You can’t go over it, you can’t go under it, you can’t go around it… – Jacob will have to go through it! (Genesis 32:11) The dreaded meeting Jacob anticipates with his twin brother Esau is realized, grace is extended and received, and peace is made between Esau and Jacob.

Sandwiched in the middle of Jacob’s meeting with Esau is another meeting… between Jacob and Jehovah. This is familiar to us because we’ve been here before with Jacob (Genesis 28:10-16). An angel of the Lord comes to Jacob, and they physically wrestle, leaving Jacob with a limp, a blessing, and a new name, “Israel.” Genesis 35 closes with Isaac’s death and the brothers burying their father.

Here are a few observations I’d like to leave you with:

God has given us His power to break the cycles of sin and know freedom. We don’t have to circle back to familiar paths and voices that contradict God’s Word. As we learn all we’ve received from being in Christ, we can confidently trust God’s Word and promises. (See Proverbs 3:5-6 and Zechariah 4:6)

“What goes around, comes around” reminds me of God’s true wisdom in Galatians 6:7, what you sow or plant, you’ll reap. When we sow blessing, we receive blessing. God has enabled and purposed His children to be farmers. We are planters of grace, truth, and love. And in due season, we’ll experience harvest.

A footnote in my Bible defines Jacob’s new name as “God fights.” The angel told Jacob that he had fought with God and man and won! What does it look like in our lives to wrestle well with God? What is the depth of our gratefulness to know God is for us, fighting for us? – Ruth Romeo

Do you have questions about this week’s Bible reading? We’d love to help! Rather than relying on the first thing you find on the internet, email us at biblequestions@warsaw.cc. We are more than happy to answer that nagging question you have, provide you with some clarity, or point you in the right direction for further study.