IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 35:1

First, God restores Jacob's direction (1-8). God appeared to Jacob and directed him to go to Bethel and settle there and worship God, fulfilling his vow when he first fled from Esau. Then Jacob restored his spiritual leadership and helped his family to repent. They purified themselves and cast off their idols. The terror of God fell upon them and their enemies were afraid to touch them. Jacob reached Bethel and built an altar, fulfilling his vow.

Second, God makes a covenant with Jacob (9-15). God was pleased with Jacob and appeared to him and blessed him. First, he changed his name. He left as Jacob, the deceiver, and he returned as Israel, a man who struggles with God. Then God gave him the covenant promises he gave to Abraham and Isaac. Jacob accepted God's calling personally and worshiped him. God shepherded Jacob until he was a changed man. Rachel died giving birth to a second son, Benjamin. Isaac also died. God was raising Jacob as a spiritual leader of a nation he could use.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for shepherding me until I can be changed to worship you. Help me to be a spiritual leader for my generation.

One Word: God shepherded Jacob to become a spiritual leader