Jacob's journey reveals the dangers of both passivity and unchecked vengeance. After finally acknowledging God as his own, Jacob fails to protect his daughter, Dinah, from tragedy, remaining silent instead of defending her. His sons, fueled by rage, take justice into their own hands, enacting brutal revenge. How do you respond to wrongs? Do you remain passive, or do you let bitterness consume you and seek revenge? — OR do you lean into the difficult but essential call to forgive? Jesus calls his followers not just to trust him, but to actively follow him, displaying faith through actions. Jacob's passivity and his sons' vengeance after Dinah's humiliation remind us to follow Jesus after turning to him.

Scripture References: Genesis 34:1-31

Related Topics: Forgiveness, God's Sovereignty, Obedience | More Messages from Josh Weiland | Download Audio

From Series: "Pursuing Presence"

Jacob had quite a life. It was one that was all about God's presence, but I'm not sure he saw it that way! In Jacob we'll see the life of a twin brother who struggled against his own family from the womb all the way to old age, until he finally learned how to allow God's pursuing presence to define his life. Jacob's journey, in many ways, is the opposite of what God desires for us. (To call it messy is an understatement.) Yet his life is also one of many in Scripture where we see God never quits pursuing us!

Message Notes & Study Guide