Primary 60 - Reconciliation of Jacob


Jacob, who is known for being a trickster, was blessed and left with his father's blessing and brother's birthright. He is thought to beguile his blind father and his hungry brother but it was not so. When we impulsively sacrifice spiritual things for things of the flesh we are bound to suffer. His father was blind by temporal things too and should of known of the inspiation of his sweetheart.

There are some cool similarities in the reading this last week between Jacob and us. First, it talks about when Jacob left, he had the Lord's blessing both to and from Bethel (translated to House of God). We also left the Lord’s house to come to earth and we strive to return there after this life. Next, it was interesting that Jacob came to a strange land (like all of us to earth) to people to who we will be related to. Jacob was related to his wife and family as we are related to our families. Just like Jacob we then marry in this strange land and wrestle with the Lord. We have been given and will recieve an increase because of Him, the God heaven. We are wrestling daily with the Lord.Then finally, when we are done, we will come home to a brother and father that is eager to see us.

Now, this is a panned-out view and a lot of symbolism here so we will keep it as simple as we can.

When we return, our older brother (like Israel to Esau) will greet us with a legion and He (Jesus) will be both the brother, Redeemer and Savior we want, merciful and kind, and the brother we need, a righteous judge, and He will fall upon our neck and kiss and bless us as Esau did to Jacob. Jacob had so many temple experiences and his children were given covenants and increases. Esau the son of Isaac was also given an increase and promises. Ishmael, son of Abraham and brother of Isaac, was given an increase and promises. Both times the younger brother had to learn to reconcile in both temporal and spiritual things, covenants or not.

Jacob had a mortal experience that is like all of us. He fought with his brother, wives fighting for his affection and attention, his employer (father-in-law) changed his wages over and over then chased him when he left for Caanan. But do you know what he gained from those experiences? Conflict resolution, trust, and increased faith.

Life is messy. There is a story that is just yours. In your story trials will tax you but when you become triumphant looking back you will see the Lord in all of it. Jacob started in Beth-el and ended in Beth-el (house of God). We have all started there spiritually and we hope that you see how our founding forefathers were given the challenge to teach us all, their children, what we can do to become more like the Lord who accomplish it all. 
We testify that no matter how hard life gets the Lord is right there with you. He won’t take away our trials and afflictions because they are there for us, but He will strengthen and support us, and make them lighter as we accept His help. We love you guys.

Challenges 
1) Read Genesis 37-41
2) How has the Lord strengthened you through a trial? Ask a family member that same question? Record your feelings about the experience.

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