Sunday
August 8
1. SOWING AND REAPING
a. What was the cause of Jacob’s escape to Haran? Genesis 27:41–46.
“Let us never forget that the efforts we make in our own strength are utterly worthless.”—The Signs of Times, October 29, 1902.
b. How was the result of trying to obtain God’s promise by deception bitterly felt in Jacob’s life with Laban? Galatians 6:7, 8; Genesis 29:21–30; 31:4–7, 36–42.
“To gain the birthright that was his already by God’s promise, Jacob resorted to fraud, and he reaped the harvest in his brother’s hatred. Through twenty years of exile he was himself wronged and defrauded, and was at last forced to find safety in flight; and he reaped a second harvest, as the evils of his own character were seen to crop out in his sons—all but too true a picture of the retributions of human life.”—Education, p. 147.
Monday
August 9
2. LIVING BY THE WORD OF GOD
a. In spite of his act of deception, what experience gave Jacob the courage to remain faithful to God all through the difficult years with his father–in–law? Genesis 28:10–22. Whom does the ladder represent? John 1:51.
“The Lord knew the evil influences that would surround Jacob, and the perils to which he would be exposed. In mercy He opened up the future before the repentant fugitive, that he might understand the divine purpose with reference to himself, and be prepared to resist the temptations that would surely come to him when alone amid idolaters and scheming men. There would be ever before him the high standard at which he must aim; and the knowledge that through him the purpose of God was reaching its accomplishment, would constantly prompt him to faithfulness. . . .
“The world was not left in solitary hopelessness. The ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication. Had He not with His own merits bridged the gulf that sin had made, the ministering angels could have held no communion with fallen man. Christ connects man in his weakness and helplessness with the source of infinite power.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 184.
b. Although God was constantly blessing him, why did Jacob leave the comforts of his new home and go back to meet an unknown fate by going to face his brother? Genesis 31:11–13; Hebrews 10:38.
“Jacob would have left his crafty kinsman long before but for the fear of encountering Esau. Now he felt that he was in danger from the sons of Laban, who, looking upon his wealth as their own, might endeavor to secure it by violence. He was in great perplexity and distress, not knowing which way to turn. But mindful of the gracious Bethel promise, he carried his case to God and sought direction from Him. In a dream his prayer was answered: ‘Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee’ (Genesis 31:3).”—Ibid., p. 193.
Tuesday
August 10
3. WRESTLING WITH GOD
a. What was the greatest obstacle before Jacob in his return to Canaan, and how did he meet the crisis? Genesis 32:3–12.
“As [Jacob] drew nearer his journey’s end, the thought of Esau brought many a troubled foreboding. After the flight of Jacob, Esau had regarded himself as the sole heir of their father’s possessions. The news of Jacob’s return would excite the fear that he was coming to claim the inheritance. Esau was now able to do his brother great injury, if so disposed, and he might be moved to violence against him, not only by the desire for revenge, but in order to secure undisturbed possession of the wealth which he had so long looked upon as his own.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 195.
“In [Jacob’s] terrible extremity he remembered God’s promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. . . . He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaketh;’ but Jacob answered, ‘I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me’ (Genesis 32:26). Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.”—Ibid., p. 197.
b. In that long night of wrestling, what was the secret of his victory and, as a result, his change of name? Genesis 32:24–30.
“The error that had led to Jacob’s sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted God’s promises but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way.”—Ibid., pp. 197, 198.
Wednesday
August 11
4. HOLDING ON TO GOD’S PROMISES
a. How will the episode called “Jacob’s trouble” be repeated with God’s remnant people in the last days? Jeremiah 30:5–7.
“Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24–30), represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.”—The Great Controversy, p. 616.
b. What evidence shows that the remnant will endure the conflict? Jeremiah 30:10, 11; Revelation 14:1–3.
“[The victorious remnant] sing ‘a new song’ before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb—a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience—an experience such as no other company have ever had.”—Ibid., pp. 648, 649.
Thursday
August 12
5. NO UNCONFESSED SINS
a. What physical phenomenon will be observed at the close of human probation? Joel 2:2.
“When [Christ] leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor.”—The Great Controversy, p. 614.
b. What will be the condition of God’s remnant when they need to live in the sight of a holy God without a Mediator? Isaiah 43:25.
“In the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance.”—Ibid., p. 620.
c. What will actually cause the remnant to suffer anguish after the close of probation, that is during the time of trouble? What assurance do they ardently wish to obtain? Revelation 3:10.
“[God’s people] fear that every sin has not been repented of. . . . If they could have the assurance of pardon they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then God’s holy name would be reproached.”—Ibid., p. 619.
Friday
August 13
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
a. How do sin’s consequences still linger even after repentance?
b. What safety measures did Jacob take before facing Esau?
c. What are we to learn from Jacob’s secret to victory?
d. Explain the real cause of anguish in the time of Jacob’s trouble.
e. How can we live in God’s sight without a Mediator?