January 23 - Genesis 32-34: Jacob Returns Home

Today’s Reading: Genesis 32-34

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

I repeat what was written yesterday. The stories in Genesis are not meant for us to emulate or glean lessons from. They are the chronicles of the ancient people of Israel. So remember as you are reading these stories are not meant for us to judge. They are meant for us to understand the people.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Jacob continued home with his wives, servants, and sons. Esau gathered 400 men to welcome them. Jacob, unsure of Esau's intentions, separated his family.
One night, Jacob wrestled an unknown person. He refused to let go without a blessing. The unknown person changed Jacob's name to God-Wrestler (Israel). Jacob wrestled God.
Esau welcomed Jacob, his family, and his herds with open arms.
A young man, greatly desiring Jacob's daughter Dinah, raped her. Jacob's sons required the entire town to be circumcised before allowing them to marry. Three days later, Simeon and Levi killed the men to revenge her honor.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

(Repeated from yesterday's comments) God's people are the same as people today.

The themes from today—women fighting over one man, businessmen fighting over who cheated who, grandparents sad and angry that their children and grandchildren move away suddenly—are the same battles people face today. The people from the Bible are not super-humans bare no similarities with people today. They are normal, everyday folks. God uses them. God can use us as well.

Jacob has been gone over 20 years. Esau has been able to recover from his feeling of betrayal.

Esau, who promised in his heart to kill Jacob the first chance he could after their father's death (Genesis 27:41) has now forgiven his brother of his deceiving betrayal. I hope it is because Esau has become wise in his older age. How wonderful it is to forgive a brother (or a sister) of a horrible wrong! May we be like Esau!

What did you see reading this passage? Questions? Comments? Leave a comment in the section below or on the Sonoma Mountain Parkway Church of Christ Facebook page.

If you missed a reading or want to go to a specific date, type the link as follows: http://grahambates.blogspot.com/2013/mm/dd.html That will take you to the reading for that day. Enjoy!