‘He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.” ‘ Genesis 32:28
Spend time in nature
In nature, slow it down this week. Go to a park or for a nice hike and look for flocks of birds. See if you can capture a couple of images or videos of birds taking flight as a group. See how they move through the air with unbelievable synchronization. They don’t chatter or command as they move, that we know of. They communicate in some unheard way. Once you get home, take a few strips of paper and write down a couple of locations on your property. Put the strips of paper in a container and have a “guide” draw them out. Take turns guiding one another from one point, maybe the front door, to the drawn location. Think of different ways you can lead one another without speaking. In the story today, Jacob sent a message to his brother through another. Esau didn’t want to hear from the messengers and was intent on harming his brother. Still, Jacob was able to speak to Esau’s heart by sending the gifts before him.
Tip
People have had to communicate over rugged terrains, distances, lack of presents, and even generations. The human race has always been able to find a way. They may have started whistling, drumming, yodeling, or sending smoke signals to speak with someone over distances. Drawings can be found to warn of dangers when someone couldn’t be posted to tell every passer-by of what lays ahead. Images have also helped keep stories alive from generation to generation.
Do something creative
For the craft, create a family or individual banners. The Banner is to remind all who enter the house or a room that kindness is contagious. The Banner can say anything. If you need a little inspiration, read Genesis 32:10, 1 Kings 3:6, Job 6:14, or Hosea 11:4. Still don’t know what the Banner should say? Try using “Entering the kindness zone.” The Bible has many lessons on how kindness can change a situation. As Esau ran to meet his brother, he intended to cause Jacob harm. Legend has it that once Laban left Jacob at Galeed, he assigned his son to encourage Esau to take vengeance on Jacob. Esau was provoked by words and gathered 400 men and went to attack Jacob. After seeing all Jacob’s riches heart was changed. The Banner hanging over the door can serve as a subtle message to be kind when we enter the house or bedroom or whatever room it is hanging over. This assists us in becoming better siblings, parents, spouses, or sons and daughters. Cut out small “hearts” and write random acts of kindness on them. Put the “hearts” in a folder, or bucket, under the Banner. Once a week, the children can pick out a “heart” and practice being kind.
What you will need:
- Butcher paper long enough to be strung across a door
- Pencils and coloring pencils
- Markers
- Paints
- Various crafting supplies (stamps, glue, construction paper, glitter (if you dare😧), and crayons)
Family worship idea
Before worship, take a couple of old socks, fill them with beads, beans, sand, any small particle. As you start the readings, tell everyone to hold their new weighted object up in the air until the story is finished. As you read, the particle-filled sock will start to become exhausting; everyone will most likely lower their arms. As their arms weary, have them lay down and place it over their eyes as you finish to read the story. The tiny weighted pad should be soothing over their eyes and be semi-calming. Read through Genesis 32 and 33. Esau was able to break away from Jacob’s control (Genesis 27:40). He expanded their father’s property, but he would leave it to Jacob. Like Lot and Abraham, the two brother’s herds would outgrow the land. Jacob, who is now Israel, could have come and demanded his blessings were returned to him, but he came with fear, with a pleading heart. Now the two brothers would find a way to grow together until a time when they would have to separate for the good of their flocks. Talk about how much joy Esau had when he saw his brother and new sisters and nephews and niece. Their reunion was such a blessing. The small weight can show how we too wrestle with God; we might take on a small part of our own salvation, but it can become heavy and hard to hold. Jesus asks us to take on His yoke (Matthew 16: 24-26). He reminds us that it is easy (Matthew 11:28-30). The small weight did not change, but by taking it out of our own hands and placing it over our eyes, the focus changes. When we look at the Cross, nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26).
Hiding His word in you ❤
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
Sabbath Catalyst 