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2 Learning From Isaac’s Dysfunctional FamilyA Special Message Genesis 25-33 © February 21, 2016 Wade Harlan 2
3 THE POWER OF A BAD EXAMPLEWhy does the Bible have so many stories of messed up people and messed up families? We can learn just as well from a bad examp Example: Teo’s first grade teacher
4 THE MAIN CHARACTERS IN THIS STORYAbraham - Sarah l l———————————————————I Ishmael Isaac - Rebekah I I ———————————I Esau Jacob - Leah/Rachel 12 sons (12 tribes) Our founding fathers, the Washington, Jefferson, Lincolns, All people of faith but real flawed people Grandpa Abraham, Isaac/Rebekah, grandkids Esau & Jacob, great grandkids
5 LESSON #1: IT’S IMPORTANT THAT COUPLES COMMUNICATE ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVES.The Birth of Isaac & Rebekah’s Children 21 And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. 23 And the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25: 21-23 Wow! We see Rachel inquire of God and hear from Him! Not so dysfunctional/unspiritual Doing this more in our community groups and acctby groups
6 LESSON #1: IT’S IMPORTANT THAT COUPLES COMMUNICATE ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVES.“1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:1-4 Prophecy is: “Reporting in your own words what God has spontaneously brought to mind about a particular situation or event.” — Wayne Grudem [Systematic Theology] Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
7 LESSON #1: IT’S IMPORTANT THAT COUPLES COMMUNICATE ABOUT THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVES.1 When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me, 4 and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die. Genesis 27:1-4 What happens then? Application: Do you know what the Lord has been speaking to your spouse about? Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
8 LESSON #2: NAMES HAVE GREAT POWER.24 When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. Genesis 25:24-26 Esau – similar to the Hebrew word for “red” Jacob - “He takes by the heel” or “He cheats” What were they thinking? Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
9 LESSON #2: NAMES HAVE GREAT POWER.Abram to Abraham: “exalted Father” to “father of a multitude” Simon to Peter [Cephas]: “the rock” Jesus: “the Lord saves” Kia Anne Harlan: Kia = “new beginnings” Anne - “grace” Teo Keith Harlan: Teo = “honors God” Keith - “battlefield” Names can harm and hurt people. In China: girls given a boy’s name? “next one a boy” Jacob: “Deceiver” “he cheats” “cheats” Esau’s of his birthright for a bowl of soup. blatantly deceives Isaac into giving him the firstborn’s blessing. Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
10 LESSON #2: NAMES HAVE GREAT POWER.“ To him who overcomes… I will [give] a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it. Revelation 2:17 “Him who overcomes I will… write on him the name of my God and…and I will also write on him my new name. Revelation 3:12 A name is so closely related to our Identity. Application: How to use a name to bless. (Even if the name’s not special.) nicknames: (George “Sticky” Washington) Character of the person named after Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
11 LESSON #3: FAVORITISM, COMPARISON, DECEPTION, LYING, AND MANIPULATION RUIN FAMILIES.Favoritism, comparison, deception, lying, and manipulation all intertwined in this story: Isaac favors Esau; Rebekah favors Jacob (Gen 25: 27-28). The RESULT? Sibling rivalry Jacob steals Esau’s birthright and then his blessing. (Gen 25, 27) Esau wants to kill Jacob. Esau takes a second wife – in a mixed up attempt to please his parents. Jacob must flee because Esau wants to kill him. The ultimate result is so so very sad. Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
12 LESSON # 4: SIN HABITS ARE OFTEN PASSED DOWN FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE OTHER, BUT GOD WANTS TO BREAK THEM. Abraham passes his wife off as his sister to Pharaoh & then later to King Abimelech (Gen 12:12; 20:2). Jacob passes his wife off as his sister to King Abimelech’s men (Gen 26). Jacob tricks Esau out of his birthright and blessing (Gen 25). Rebekah tricks Isaac to get him to send Jacob to her brother, Laban (Gen 28). Uncle Laban tricks Jacob into first marrying Leah, then give him Rachel in exchange for 7 more years work, changes his wages 10 times. Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
13 LESSON # 4: SIN HABITS ARE OFTEN PASSED DOWN FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE OTHER, BUT GOD WANTS TO BREAK THEM. Leah and Rachel compete for Jacob’s love through bearing sons (even through their maidservants). Jacob and his family leave Laban without telling him. Rachel tricks Laban into thinking she hasn’t stolen his gods by claiming she was on her period. What a mess!! Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
14 LESSON #5: GOD WANTS US TO MOVE FROM SELF-RELIANCE TO RELIANCE ON HIM.A Change Occurs in Jacob (Genesis 32) 3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, 4 instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. 5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’” 6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.” 9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ Genesis 32:3-9 Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
15 LESSON #5: GOD WANTS US TO MOVE FROM SELF-RELIANCE TO RELIANCE ON HIM.A Change Occurs in Jacob (Genesis 32) 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. 12 But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’” 13 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. Genesis 32:10-13, 22-24 Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
16 LESSON #5: GOD WANTS US TO MOVE FROM SELF-RELIANCE TO RELIANCE ON HIM.A Change Occurs in Jacob (Genesis 32) Jacob’s preparations show that he’s very worried, but is still relying on his personal cleverness. Jacob wrestles that night with God and won’t let go until he gets God’s blessing. God changes his name from Jacob [“deceiver”] to Israel [“struggles/wrestles with God”]. Jacob finally learns that the solutions to problems are found by trusting/relying in God and not himself. Ask afterwards if people sense if this was from God, not the person’s thoughts nor Satan It won’t supplant scripture, b/c it must be tested, we don’t memorize, Hyou can do evangelism even if you don’t have the gift. - sit w; colleague, head bent over in humility, peacemaker, rest as you send God will provide peace and a way.
17 RECAP: LESSONS WE LEARN FROM ISAAC’S DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILYThe importance of couples communicating about their spiritual lives. Names have great power. Deception, lying, manipulation and favoritism ruin families. Sin habits are easily passed down from one generation to another but God’s desire is that they be broken. Handling difficulties through our own strength and cleverness dishonors God. Instead persevere and “wrestle" through them with Him. Example: Teo’s first grade teacher
18 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianUnusual Phrases in the song “cat’s in the cradle” - famous childhood game “silver spoon” – years ago a gift given babies when dedicated at their church “little boy blue” - phrase from a famous children’s story “man on the moon” - phrase from a famous children’s poem
19 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianMy child arrived just the other day. He came to the world in the usual way. But there were planes to catch and bills to pay. He learned to walk while I was away. And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad, You know I'm gonna be like you.”
20 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianAnd the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little boy blue and the man on the moon. “When you comin' home dad?” “I don't know when, but we'll get together then. You know we'll have a good time then.”
21 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianMy son turned ten just the other day He said ”Thanks for the ball, Dad. C’mon let’s play.” Can you teach me to throw?” I said, “Not today. I got a lot to do.” He said, “That’s OK.” And then he walked away but his smile never dimmed and said, "I'm gonna be like him yeah, You know I'm gonna be like him.”
22 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianAnd the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little boy blue and the man on the moon. “When you comin' home dad?” “I don't know when, but we'll get together then. You know we'll have a good time then.”
23 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianWell, he came from college just the other day. So much like a man I just had to say, "Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?" He shook his head and he said with a smile, "What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys. See you later, can I have them please?"
24 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianAnd the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little boy blue and the man on the moon. “When you comin' home son?” “I don't know when, but we'll get together then, Dad. You know we'll have a good time then.”
25 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianI've long since retired, my son's moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind." He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time. You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu. But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad. It's been sure nice talking to you." And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me. He'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me.
26 CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry ChapianAnd the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon. Little boy blue and the man on the moon. “When you comin' home son? “I don't know when, but we'll get together then, Dad. We’re gonna have a good time then.”
27 FIVE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFEDo you need to make any changes about being more connected spiritually with your spouse? Do you need to do anything to make your or your children’s names more of a blessing to them? Is there any deception, lying, manipulation or favoritism that needs to be dealt with in your family? Are there any generational sin habits that the Lord wants broken through you? Are you guilty of relying on your own cleverness to solve problems rather that persevering and wrestling with God?
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