Genesis 57

 

 

THE PRAYER AND ANSWER THROUGH SUFFERING

(Gen. 33:1-20)

 

 

Introduction:

Jacob's 20-year journey was a process in which he bowed down before God's will (Genesis 31:3). Before confronting Esau, whose goal in life was to kill him,

he did not equip himself with weapons, train his group, or hire well-trained mercenaries to prepare for the fight. He held on to his trembling heart

and moved toward that time, relying on Emmanuel. And finally, at that moment, when he stood in front of God, he completely bowed down.

One thing he has learned over the years is to bow down.

 

Trial, tribulation, persecution, and cross give us a lot of hardships. But trial will pass away and if endure persecution and tribulation great blessing will come. However cross is always follow our entire life. But because of the cross we will gain every things.

 

1. After suffering the work of God arise.

  1) Trial and sufferings of Job. (Job.1:20-22, 23:10-14, 19:25)

  2) Early church, tribulations, persecutions.

  3) The cross of Paul.

 

2. Jacob had many sufferings.

  1) Family problems.

  2) Conflict with Laban.

  3) Problem with Esau.

 

3. The mystery of Jacob to over come sufferings. (Gen.32:24-32)

  1) Background of the throne experienced at Bethel,

  2) Prayer along the Jabbok River and Peniel’s blessing,

  3) Jacob --> Israel: A prayer topic to hold on to for the rest of your life

 

4. After prayer through suffering surely the work of God will follow.

  1) Change of Esau(Gen.33:1-4)

    v. 4. But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.

  2) Help of Esau (Gen.33:5-12)

    v. 12. Then Esau said, "Let us be on our way; I'll accompany you."

 

5. Sufferings and after work.

  1) Age of Rome.

  2) Age of World war

  3) Age of war of ideology

 

Conclusion: All of this is God’s grace.

  1) Jacob arrived safely from Paddan Aram to the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan. During the short journey, his family and livestock were safe.

     Immediately Jacob pitched his tent in front of the city of Shechem, and purchased the land where he pitched his tent from the sons of Hamor,

     Shechem's father, for a hundred kshitah (For a hundred pieces of silver).

 

  2) It is important that Jacob, who purchased the land, built an altar there, and what is more important is that he named the altar El Elohe Israel.

     The name of the altar was ‘God, the God of Israel’ and they offered blood sacrifices and worshiped there.

 

  3) The journey from Paddan Aram to Canaan: The reason why Jacob's journey, accompanied by vulnerable children and women, was peaceful was because

     he received the help of God who lifted up his eyes and was with him.

 

  4) Just as God was “El Elohe Israel” to Jacob, who was renamed Israel, God is “El Elohe○○○” to us who have become God’s people.

     Today, let us all move forward with strength, believing in God, “El Elohe○○○.” God, El Elohe Israel, uses His almighty power to keep us,

     who live as strangers in this wilderness-like world, safe from cunning deceivers like Laban and violent enemies like Esau, so that we can enter our home,

     heaven, in peace. He will protect and guide you until the end. I pray in the name of the Lord that the blessings of Almighty God will always overflow

     upon you.