On Sunday, we finished looking at the bulk of the Jacob-narrative located in the Book of Genesis. One of the main reasons that we studied the life of Jacob – consistent with the Bible’s purpose – was to remember and rejoice over how God faithfully keeps His covenant promise as He makes a people for His glory (Is 43.7). When Jacob returned to Bethel, the author of Genesis notes that God “appeared again to Jacob . . . and blessed him”. I read with you from God’s original covenant blessing to Abram in Genesis 17 to show you the remarkable similarities in those two blessings; to show you the continuity in God’s plan and purpose; to show you a faithful God. Time prohibited me from sharing all that I wanted regarding that blessing (cf. vs 9-13). For your reading and reflection, here are five parts to the blessing along with comparable language from Genesis 17. In the content of the blessing, God . . .
1) Reiterated Jacob’s new name – Israel also gave Abram a new name (Gen 17.5)
This may be a hint that God acknowledges Jacob’s progress because this time there is no “qualifier” attached to the name, Israel (see chap 32, vs 28). Repeating the name change also has a sense of affirmation and finality.
2) Identified Himself as God Almighty also described Himself that way w/Abram (Gen 17.1)
God Almighty = confidence booster; expresses an unsurpassable, unstoppable, omnipotent God. Almighty means no one can turn God’s path, nothing can alter His perfect will. I think this speaks to Jacob (and us), that what God purposes and promises, He will accomplish (Ps 115.3; Dan 4.35, others).
3) Promised great numbers of offspring also gave Abram that promise (Gen 17.6)
Before Jacob died, he would see 12 sons become more than 70 offspring.
4) Promised royal offspring also said that to Abram (Gen 17.6)
Perhaps Joseph’s experience in Egypt illustrates or forecasts future rulers who would come from Jacob’s line?
5) Promised a native land also promised that to Abram (Gen 17.8)
Though Jacob died in Egypt – he had traveled there so that he and his family would not starve – at his death, he demanded to be buried in Canaan, the land of God’s promise (along with Abraham & Isaac).
“Land” is a significant part of God’s blessing. In Heb 11, we read that God had in mind a better country for His people (v16), but don’t mistake modern Israel (or the U.S.) for that better country. In his wonderfully concise and very accessible book, “God’s Big Picture”, Vaughn Roberts reminds us that the notion of a specific homeland is theologically attached to the notion of God’s Kingdom. In his book, Roberts defines God’s Kingdom as “God’s people in God’s place under God’s rule and blessing”.
In the former Covenant, Canaan is the promised land for God’s people – a foretaste of His Kingdom. Because of the failure of God’s people, known by God before the foundation of the world, God put forth a New Covenant, which included a new homeland, a city prepared by God. Ultimately, God’s Kingdom will be located in a new heaven and new earth. All who trust in Christ will be citizens of that Kingdom when Jesus returns to claim it forever and ever.
If you have not yet “applied for citizenship” in God’s Kingdom (admittedly, a friendly phraseology), I stand on the promise and power of God’s word to offer it to you now. If you want to learn more about that please contact me as soon as you can. I would love to tell you more, and offer my assistance in helping you become a subject of God’s Kingdom. To respond to me directly, click on this email link: pastorgary@harrisonhills.org; or call my cell: 402-290-4811
Let this expanded teaching on God’s blessing to Jacob/Israel be one more thing to encourage and equip you this week. Rejoicing over the faithfulness of God with you,
Pastor Gary