Genesis 34—36: The Cost of Discipleship

Warming Up to God

What expectations do you place on this time with the Lord? (Do you feel pressure to "accomplish" something?) Allow yourself to just be with Jesus today.

• I only feel pressure to actually sit down and do it. I put very little expectation on what I will accomplish through it. Still, Lord help me to...focus! Thank you for this opportunity to spend this time with you. 

Discovering the Word

What is Shechem's attitude toward Dinah (34:1-4)?

• Lust at first. But then he fell in love with her and tried to win her over with words. I imagine it was not an easy thing to do after he raped her.

In Genesis 35:1 God renews his call for Jacob to settle in Bethel. What is the cost of this commitment for Jacob and the members of his household (35:2-7)?

• They had to 
• abandon their idols.
• purify themselves
• get rid of their earrings

What specific promises does God reaffirm to Jacob and to his descendants (35:9-13)?

• God will always prevail.
• Nations will be made from Jacob's descendants.
• Kings will come from his line.
• His descendants will own lots of land.

What new griefs come into Jacob's life (35:16-29)?

• His Father and Rachel die.

What do the comments in 35:29 and 36:6-8 show about the relationship between Jacob and Esau?

• It seems to be fine. They are just moving apart because they both own too much stuff.

Applying the Word

In what way does this tragedy illustrate the dangers of spiritual compromise or disobedience?

• Jacob was supposed to not stop in the land where his daughter Dinah was defiled. Because he stayed there, she wondered out to make friends and along the way, she was discovered by an evil man and he had his way with her. 
• The choices we make now will determine the kinds of things that will happen to us later. Pray! Always pray for direction.

Have you become aware of any "foreign god" in your life, something which is taking the place of God? Explain.

• Online shopping. I want to always be looking for something. I think this stems from the fact that we are house shopping.
• Even now, I am itching to switch over to Craigslist and see what I can find!

How can we, like Jacob, transform the pain of losing someone we love into confidence and courage for the future?

• Of course! Especially if we know that that person has gone to be with the Lord. That doesn't mean its not going to hurt, though.

Responding in Prayer

Praise God for the remarkable example of his faithfulness to his chosen children through the life of Jacob.

• Thank you! You love to work through broken people.