GPS-Red Stew

JUL 28  / Sunday – Read Genesis (Gen) 25:19-34 / Gen 27:41-45 / Gen 33:1-11

Overview: Think God doesn’t understand “dysfunctional family”? Look no further than the messed up home of twin brothers Jacob and Esau, where mere food was considered more important than a birthright.

29 / Mon – Birthright  |  Read Genesis 25:19-34, especially v 27-28, 34

Jacob and Esau were twin boys but Esau was the oldest by a few minutes. In this story, Jacob had cooked a delicious stew. Esau was starving. Jacob wanted Esau’s birthright. So they made a trade. What is a birthright anyway? In Biblical times, it was the right of the firstborn son to inherit his father’s possessions and authority as head of the family. How little it must have meant to Esau as he sold it so cheaply. Have you ever traded something precious to fill a temporary need? If you could go back, what would you do differently? How does this affect any future decisions?

30 / Tue – Betrayed by family  |  Read Gen 25:27-28 / Gen 27:1-41 / Gen 31:3-7, 41

Not only did Jacob get Esau’s birthright, he also stole Esau’s blessing through trickery. In addition, their mother was the instigator and accomplice. Have you ever been betrayed by a family member? If so, you know how Esau, and Isaac, felt. As a consequence, Jacob had to flee for his life. Then he spent 20 years away from home where he was repeatedly cheated by his father-in-law. How did these things affect Jacob’s perspective? How have your experiences changed yours?

31 / Wed – Guilty as charged  |  Read Gen 32:9-11, 23-28 / Gen 33:1-11

Jacob spent many years exiled from home. Those years changed him. When it came time to return to his family, Jacob rightly dreaded meeting his brother Esau. Jacob could have made excuses or tried to justify himself but he knew the truth. He deserved no mercy. Jacob did what he could to make restitution but he knew that only God could save him from his brother’s justified anger. Are you in a similar situation? Take it to the Lord. Do what you can. He will go with you.

AUG 01 / Thu – Destitution  |  Read Luke 15:11-24, especially 21-24

This younger son was not driven from home as Jacob was. He chose to go. He had demanded his inheritance and left without a backward glance. When life did not turn out as he’d hoped, he came crawling back home, humbled and ashamed, hoping only for a job in his father’s household. Yet the unexpected reception proved that his dad loved him no matter what. Have you been reluctant to turn to your Heavenly Father? Don’t be afraid to come back. You are precious to Him.

02 / Fri – Whatever happens  |  Read Phil 1:6 / 1 Thess 5:23-24

Family relationships can get complicated. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. Moses was adopted into a family who worshiped false gods. David’s father-in-law tried to kill him. Jesus’ siblings did not believe in him, at first. What others think does not define you, if it is contrary to what God says about you. Who will you choose to believe? What truth will you embrace? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and help you see yourself as your Heavenly Father does.

03 / Sat – A forever family  |  Read Mark 10:29-30 / Heb 2:10-11

People all over the world choose Jesus over their family’s religion, are excommunicated, and even killed by their families because of this decision. Have you experienced pain from your family’s misunderstanding or rejecting you? Jesus predicted it could happen, but he promises a new family where you are loved without reservation – by your Heavenly Father, a Brother who literally laid down His life for you, and new brothers and sisters in faith. What an amazing family you are a part of! Yes, it can get messy too but, in asking and receiving forgiveness, there is restoration.