Josh McGuire - A Living Testimony in Jacob, Part 2 | Austin CFC | 2020-12-27
Summary
The speaker uses Jacob's life story to illustrate how human tendency is to grasp for things—blessings, possessions, or control—which ultimately creates tension. He advises that when facing stress or fear, one must go to God's Word, humble oneself completely, and be radically honest in prayer rather than offering superficial prayers. The ultimate lesson is finding true blessing by clinging to God until he blesses you.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What should you do when overcome with stress and fear?When facing overwhelming fear and stress, we should turn to God's word, humble ourselves, be completely honest in prayer, and trust in His promises.
Jacob's reliance on his own assetsEven after praying, Jacob relies on his own understanding by preparing a massive gift of livestock to try and appease Esau.
Wrestling with God and getting a new nameJacob wrestles with God and refuses to let go until he is blessed, leading God to change his name from the grabber Jacob to Israel.
The trials continue after the encounter with GodAn encounter with God does not eliminate trials; instead, Jacob faces severe family troubles starting with the incident at Shechem.
Sorrow and suffering mixed with God's presenceJacob experiences ongoing sorrow, including the death of Deborah and his beloved wife Rachel, alongside the reassuring presence of God.
Repeating past mistakes and facing a severe famineJacob repeats his parents' mistake by showing favoritism toward Joseph, leading to the devastating loss of his son and a severe famine across the land.
The shock of finding Joseph aliveAfter years of trial, Jacob is shocked to discover that Joseph is still alive and responds to God's call to go to Egypt.
Jacob fulfills God's promise by blessing PharaohGod keeps His promise to make Jacob a blessing, bringing the broken old man to a place where he blesses Pharaoh, the most powerful man on earth.
Blessing his family until the end of his lifeJacob continues to pour out blessings on his grandchildren and all twelve of his sons until his final breath.
Jacob in the faith hall of fameHebrews 11 highlights Jacob as a man of faith who died while blessing the sons of Joseph and worshipping while leaning on his staff.
