Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
Who is the first person you would call or text if you needed help?
These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 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. 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.” When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 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. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
– Genesis 25:19–28
What Rebekah did right.
And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 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.
– Genesis 25:21-22
In the sermon, we heard how Rebekah entrusted herself to God. How do you think the stories from Abraham, Sarah’s, and Hagar’s lives helped her to do this?
When you are in a vulnerable situation, what stories help you trust God?
What Rebekah did wrong.
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.” When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 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. When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.”
– Genesis 25:23-28
God’s answer to Rebekah’s inquiry was that the wrestling in her womb was not the end of one relationship, but the birthing of two. What does God’s deeper, broader knowledge of our circumstances reveal about the importance of seeking him in all things?
Rebekah chose one son over the other. How did choosing a favorite lead her away from seeking God?
Romans 2:11 says, “For God does not show favoritism.” How can our faith help us when we are tempted to believe that some people are better, more lovable, or more loved than others?
How can we make it right even when we get it wrong?
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character,and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
– Romans 5:1-5
What is one practical way God shows his love for you in your daily life?
What spiritual practices help you center yourself on God’s love for you?
What could you do to love others in greater measure during this holiday season?
Closing Thought
In your final moments together, share prayer requests and pray for one another.