Joe's Dad And Your Dad Series

Joseph’s Dad was the guy named Jacob. There are 7 whole chapters in Genesis that talk about him. Taking up this much Biblical real estate proves that Jacob was a significant “Dad” and “Forefather” of our faith.

He is renowned for being one of the founders of Israel. The nation of Israel is actually named after him as we know that God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. From him all 12 tribes that make up Israel are named after his sons. Jacob is obviously a significant Father.

Jacob lived a long time and had a lot of influence on his sons as he lived to the ripe old age of 147 years old. Therefore, there’s a longtime example provided by Jacob of Fatherhood.

Yet, as we have seen, Jacob, like all people was not perfect. He made some mistakes. Yet, God noted those along with his many triumphant moments to teach us a lot about faith, following God, and even Fatherhood.

God loves the title “Father” as a matter of fact, it’s the only title that both God and a man both can own. Likewise, isn’t it interesting that even though Jesus was born of a virgin; the Heavenly Father wanted His own Son to have an Earthly Father.

God affirms Fatherhood more than anyone and today we are going to join Him through the life of Jacob.

Transition: From the life of Jacob we learn about our Dad’s. We pause to recognize their role in our lives and the blessings they are. Today, we will celebrate their place in our lives.

Transitional Sentence: From Jacob’s example; we see the blessing of a Dad who is a man of God. Why is a “man of God” such a blessing to a home?

I. Men of God Point Us In the Right Direction

Vs. 1-2- “Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another? He said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt...”

Explanation:

When we meet Jacob today, we find him at a new season of his life. When we first met Jacob he was anything but a man of God. He rightfully bore the name of “Jacob” which means: Sup-planter, or deceiver.

Jacob was a self-driven man. Through manipulation he stole his brothers birthright and blessing. Through manipulation, he tried to get one up on his Father-in-law but he was out smarted by Laban who was even more manipulative.

Yet, one-night Jacob had a wrestling match with God and that changed everything. He had an encounter with the one whom many believe was an Old Testament appearance of Jesus Christ.

Theologians and Bible experts call this a “theophany.” In this wrestling match God gave Jacob a limb; and a new name. He walked with God in a different way. He had learned to depend on God, seek God, and trust God more.

This is one hallmark of a godly man. He has had a “god-event” in his life. Like Jacob he came face to face with God. His foundation for the way he lived his life was shaken and changed; and God replaced it with a new foundation.

From this, when struggles and trials came; he looked at them differently; and led his family differently.

In verse 1, we find that what Joseph prophesied came to pass. Famine and hard times came. The result was that according to this verse, the sons of Jacob did not know what to do. Yet, Jacob did.

Jacob’s boys were paralyzed in fear. Yet, their father was looking around in faith. Jacob had learned to look for where God was working and providing. He had learned to listen and lead; instead of fear and fret.

In turn, Jacob came to his sons and said: “Why are you staring at one another” ... I have heard that there is grain in Egypt...” vs. 1-2a

Jacob had a new foundation for his life. It was a foundation of faith.

In Proverbs 24:3 we read: “Through godly wisdom a life, a home, and a family is built, and through understanding it is established on a sound foundation.”

It is interesting to note that God called Jacob by three different names at three different stages and seasons of his life:

a) In the beginning he was called; Jacob because it denotes he was a deceiver.

b) In the second phase of his life he is called; Israel because now he was contender/wrestler with

God.

c) In the final phase he is called “Jeshurun.” This means: Upright.

This name is noted in Isaiah 44:1-3a that says: “You heard now, O Jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen. Thus says the Lord who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you; Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you , Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground, I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your offspring.”