KidzPort October 4 – Jacob

October 5, 2009

Jacob has one of the most incredible stories in the entire Old Testament.  Born the younger of twin brothers, the Bible tells us he came out holding the heel of his older brother, Esau.  In fact, one meaning of Jacob’s name is “leg-puller.”   This has kind of a dual meaning, as it can be taken literally, or figuratively.  (A joker, a prankster.)  Another meaning is “supplanter” or “one who takes the place of.”

While Esau was strong and rugged, Jacob was small and fair.  He preferred to spend time in the house with his mother.  This led to Esau becoming the favorite of their father, Isaac.  Jacob felt this rejection all his life.

Jacob was a trickster.  He once tricked Esau out of his birthright for a bowl of soup.  He also tricked Isaac (in Gen 27) into giving him Esau’s blessing.  Now Esau was mad, and threatened to kill Jacob once Isaac had died.  Jacob, of course, ran away. 

He met his mother’s brother Laban, and fell in love with his daughter Rachel.  Rachel was beautiful!  Laban also had an older daughter, Leah, who was not.  After having to work for seven years for Rachel’s hand, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah.  Eventually, he gained the right to marry Rachel as well. 

Now, Jacob himself rejected Leah, and she felt hated.  Jacob was showing her the same rejection that he had received! So God stepped in – He made it so only Leah could have children at first.

Jacob went through a lot in the next few years.  He tricked Laban out of some of his flock, and Laban grew angry as well.  Eventually Jacob left and wanted to go back home, but found out Esau was near, with an army of 400 men! Afraid, Jacob sent his family on, while he waited for Esau, and prayed to God.  Eventually, he met a strange man who wrestled with him all night.  Jacob demanded a blessing from the man, who told him from this day forth, he would be called Israel, which means “one who struggles with God.”  That “man” was actually God’s own angel!! Jacob named that place Peniel.

Jacob soon met Esau, who instead of trying to kill him, embraced his brother warmly.  Jacob grew old, and became one of the fathers of the Hebrews, and of Christianity.

For Parents:

• Read about Jacob in Genesis with your child.  Maybe take a few days, and read Genesis 25-32.  It’s fascinating reading!
• Talk about Jacob and his rejection issues.  Who rejected him?  (Isaac, Esau, Laban, even his name!)
• How did Jacob pass this rejection on? 

Kidzport November 30 – Uncovering Wells

November 30, 2008

This week we took a look at Isaac, son of Abraham.  According to Genesis, after Abraham died, the Philistines took back the land that Abraham had occupied – land God had given him.   When he matured, Isaac began to inhabit these lands.  

One way that someone would claim land in those days was by digging a well.  You see, there was plenty of water under the ground, but one had to dig for it.  Having grown up in the area, Isaac knew where all the wells were.  But as he began to uncover his father’s wells, he ran into opposition from the Philistines.  Finally, he found a place that he could live without argument.

Sometimes life is like this.  God has a blessing for us (the water) but it is hard to get to.  We have to dig for it.  It helps if we know where to dig, as Isaac did.  But sometimes there are obstacles to what God has.  We can either give up, or keep looking for a new place to uncover a well, and get to the blessing. 

For Parents:

• Have your child read Genesis 26: 17-22 with you.  Why did Isaac have to dig so many wells?
• Ask your child why it is important to keep pressing on, and trying to uncover new wells.
• We talked about Isaac’s family – see if they remember who Isaac’s older brother is. (Ishmael)

Reminder: Reheasal for the Cantata is Saturday, 12/6 at 12:00 in the church,