Bible Study Lesson; Genesis 35:1-15
In these Genesis verses, we’ll learn how Jacob is named Israel and becomes a nation.
Israel, a great nation is formed with a name God gave Jacob because of his faith and struggles.
The nation would become great and would produce great leaders such as Moses, David and others.
Was Jacob perfect? Is this why God picked him as the forerunner of a large nation called Israel?
I don’t believe so. Let’s find out more about Jacob’s journey with God..
Jacob Becomes Israel and Returns to Bethel
Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. God said to him,
“Your name is Jacob;
You shall no longer be called Jacob,
But Israel shall be your name.”
Thus He called him Israel. God also said to him,
“I am God Almighty;
Be fruitful and multiply;
A nation and a company of nations shall come from you,
And kings shall come forth from you.
“The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac,
I will give it to you,
And I will give the land to your descendants after you.”
Then God went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him.
Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it.
So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel. – Genesis 35:9-15 NASB
Why the Name Israel?
God named Jacob Israel. The name means “he struggles with God“. Jacob had become nearer to God through his struggles and challenges.
The nation of Israel would see its share of struggles throughout the ages – and even today.
Explaining Christianity
Contrary to what some people present on TV, being a Christian does not mean you and I will live a trouble-free life.
It also does not mean we will accumulate vast fortunes by using the Bible as some sort of “magic wand“.
Jesus never said that — Quite the contrary.
Just look at His disciples. Many suffered tremendously and some had horrible deaths because of their belief in Christ.
Then, Why Would Anyone Want to Become a Christian?
As Christians, we are not going to stroll through life without problems.
But, the one thing we do have as followers is God to see us through the “bad” times when they happen.
Think about it, if there were no hard times why would we need God to help us?
We can depend upon God when “bumps in the road” come (and they will come).
Let’s be careful not to ignore Him in the good times either. God wants to share in our joys too!
Jacob Struggled – But Had Faith
[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0849922402″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/417S9tAXvL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”98″]In closing, let’s try to look at the struggles we have in our lives as an opportunity to grow in our faith.
Let’s use difficult times to trust and let God handle the situation – in His own way.
Tough times and sorrows will come. God will be there to take us through them. Isn’t God Incredible?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here to learn more.