The Arrival of Jacob in Padam Aram, Meeting Rachel, His Future Wife
Genesis 29:1-14

Lesson 66

background notes

doctrinal points

1. The guidance of God is working for good in spite of spiritual immaturity.

2. The guidance of God is working for good in spite of spiritual ignorance.

 

practical application
1. Do you really believe Romans 8:28?

 

questions
1. Why did Jacob journey to Padan Aram?

2. Did Jacob just happen to stop by a certain well? Did he just happen to find some shepherd brothers who knew Laban? Did Rachel just happen to be there?

3. Why did Jacob cry when he met Rachel?

4. Was Jacob a believer? Did he exemplify a spiritual character?

5. Was Jacob spiritually aware of what God was doing in his life?

answers
1. To find a wife from his own people, and to be safe from Esau’s wrath.

2. None of these happenings were just coincidence. God was working behind the scenes to make good on His promises.

3. He was crying for joy, happy to have found his family.

4. Yes, he was a believer, albeit an immature believer. As for his character, he was deceitful, cunning, crafty and self-centered.

5. No. Jacob was spiritually ignorant. He was not aware that through these events God was preparing a nation through which the promised Messiah would come.

 

discuss / consider
1. God was working behind the scenes for Jacob, but he was not aware of His working. How aware are you of God’s working in your life?

2. Jacob was not a mature believer as evidenced by his character. How mature a believer are you? Does spiritual maturity mark your life?

 

challenge
Do you really believe Romans 8:28?

memorize

• “Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept.” Genesis 29:11

• “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” Genesis 29:14

• “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28