There are several practical lessons here including doing good to those who have done good to you, avoiding shaming people publicly, and fighting the battle of this life with courage and complete trust in the work that the Lord will do for us.
The famine is still sore in all the land and the sons of Jacob must return to Egypt. The last trip was very troublesome, and this trip will have its share of troubles as well.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob has had it easy up to now. He has lived as a plain man in the tents (Genesis 25:27). He has been his mother’s favorite (Genesis 25:28). He has purchased his brother’s birthright and tricked him out of his blessing (Genesis 27:35-36). But now, his life of trickery begins to catch up with him. He must flee the country for his life’s sake and go 500 miles from home. Before God is through with Jacob, a “few days” (Genesis 27:44) will become 20 years and his beloved mother will die before he ever gets to see her again. Yet, God is working. In this lesson, Jacob takes a major step toward spiritual maturity. He will have far to go but he will be a better man for the experience in this chapter.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
This is a story in which no one is operating from pure motives. Isaac is feeding his flesh; Esau is carnally minded; Rebekah and Jacob are in the midst of deceit. Yet, in it all, God brings the results to His own end. Each individual in this story pays a price for his or her lack of spiritual direction. We need to make sure of our motives and follow the Lord in all things.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
This lesson gives several examples, both negative and positive, of waiting on God. Isaac waited on the right bride. He also waits on the promised offspring (as opposed to his father who went in to Hagar). He seeks God’s help through prayer. Rebekah prays for an answer to the dilemma of the struggle in her womb and God gives her special insight into His plan.
This section of the Bible gives a great lesson on hospitality. But, more than that, it deals with fellowship with God. Abraham received the Lord into his home and the Lord felt enough confidence in Abraham to reveal to him what He was getting ready to do.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
