The Parent Weekly for October 9th, God is Provider

What we learned today

Big Idea: God is provider. Abraham and Isaac

Genesis 18v21—22. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Just before Abraham completes the act, the angel of the Lord stops him and provides an animal to sacrifice in place of Isaac.

Where we're headed next time

Big Idea: God is Lord. Jacob and Esau

Genesis 25v19—34; 27. Rebekah gives birth to twins Jacob and Esau. The rivalry between the twins begins before they’re even born. Later, when their father Isaac is on his deathbed, Jacob and his mother Rebekah plot to steal Esau’s birthright.

Did you know?

Share these facts to get the conversation started:

• The birthright gave the oldest son, Esau, the privilege of a double portion of the inheritance as well as the title of priest, judge, and leader of the family.

• Esau cared so little for his spiritual heritage that he gave Jacob his birthright in exchange for a bowl of stew.

• Esau had hairy arms and Jacob did not. Rebekah helped Jacob dress in fur that would make Jacob feel like Esau. This tricked the blind and bedridden father, Isaac, into giving the blessing of birthright
to Jacob instead of Esau.

Connect as a family

Gather your children on your bed. Read Genesis 27v18–25. After you have finished reading the passage, explain to your children that receiving a blessing today is different from the blessing given to a firstborn son (in today’s passage, Esau) in biblical times. Today, a blessing is a way of inviting God to work in our lives to make us more like Him. Encourage your kids to hold their hands in front of them, palms up. This posture is meant to symbolize a willingness of heart to respond to God’s Holy Spirit and to receive what God has for them. As your children remain in this posture, pray a prayer of blessing over them.

After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:

• Why do you think Jacob wanted the blessing so badly?

• What was so important about the birthright blessing?

• How can you show thankfulness for God’s blessings in your life?

These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God is Lord into your everyday life as a family.

Blessing

Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.

A blessing to pray over your child:(Child’s name), may you know that God is Lord over all things, including your life. May you know His presence each day.