HELLO ISRAEL, GOODBYE JACOB

GENESIS 32

Pastor Rick Jackson

Jacob has received a bum rap over the years as being a scoundrel but we see quite a different picture when we come to the Word of God with an open mind. To be sure, Jacob is not perfect, but then again, who, outside of the Lord Jesus, is? Many Bible characters had a point in their life where their name was changed. Genesis 32 is that point for Jacob.

I. OUT OF THE FRYING PAN... [v. 1-8]

Having just escaped the clutches of Laban by the grace of God Jacob knows he must soon face Esau. The last he knew of Esau, 20 years earlier, his brother was planning to kill him. Certainly he must have had some apprehension but God... Two of the sweetest words in the Bible, "BUT GOD"

1. God's Encouragement [v. 1-2, II Kings 6]

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

2. Jacob's Emissaries [v. 3-5]

3. Esau's Entrance [v. 6-8]

II. DO YOUR PART... [v. 9-23]

Augustine, the man, not the city, said, "Pray as though everything depends on God, work like everything depends on you." Though not for the unsaved it certainly is good for most situations for the Christian. Jacob practices it in the section.

1. The Powerful Prayer [v. 9-12]

-based on relationship [v. 9a]

-based on God's Word [v. 9b]

-predicated upon God's mercy & grace [v. 10]

-petition for deliverance [v. 11a] "Prayer is asking." -John R. Rice

-predicated upon God's promises [v. 11b-12]

2. The Peace Offerings [v. 13-20]

Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

3. The Preparation of faith [v. 21-23]

III. IN THIS CORNER...

Tonight just happens to be Wrestlemania 24 in Orlando but here we find one of the most famous wrestling matches in history.

1. "Whatcha going to do brother?" [v. 24-26]

2. What's In A Name? [v. 27-30]

3. When Surrendering is Winning [v. 31-32]

Mt. 5:44-45 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.