warm-up

Do you like games that require you to complete missions? Why or why not?

Have you ever done a favor or errand not because you wanted to, but because of the one asking the favor? Who was it, and why did you do it?

What is one thing about yourself you’re glad has changed in the past year?

word

And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.” Genesis 35:11

(Read also Genesis 35:9–15.)

God introduced Himself to Jacob in this way: El Shaddai, God Almighty. By calling Himself Almighty, He declared Himself above all in power and authority. Not only did He say He was Almighty, He used this phrase to preface His next words, which were a command. In the same breath, He gave Jacob a mission. Here are two things that we can learn from this passage about God as Almighty.

1
God was almighty to redeem Jacob’s past and remind him of his new identity.

And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. Genesis 35:10

When God gave Jacob a new name, He was also giving him a new identity. Prior to this moment, Jacob had gone through a roller-coaster ride in his life. He had fled from his uncle Laban, wrestled with God, and fearfully reunited with his brother Esau, whom he had deceived years before. His daughter had been raped, and two of his sons, to avenge her, had tricked, then slaughtered and plundered, the people of that land. And yet God gave Jacob a new identity. Jacob means “deceiver,” but Israel was the name by which God’s people were known for the generations to come. In the same way, God in His might can redeem your past and remind you of your new identity in Christ. How has your past been redeemed? How has your life changed since you met Christ?

2
God was almighty to send Jacob on a mission.

And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body." Genesis 35:11

After announcing Jacob’s new identity, Israel, and then revealing Himself as El Shaddai, God gave Jacob a mission. As the God mighty above all, He has both the authority to send His people on His mission, and the power to help them accomplish it. Until today, the Almighty God sends those who call on His name on His mission. He has the authority to command us and the power to strengthen us, so that we will accomplish His mission. How have you experienced being called to His mission? How do you live now, knowing you can draw on His power to accomplish it?

application

Do you believe God is Almighty? How can you meditate on His character and hand on your life this week? Pray that you would recognize His power and authority over your life.

What are some things in your past that you feel like you can’t change that are affecting your present? Submit these to God and be in faith that He will transform you and give you a new identity.

Do you know God’s mission and how you can be involved in it? What are some ways that you can clearly hear and obey Him?

prayer

Thank God that, in His might, He can redeem your past and give you a new identity. Thank Him for the new life He has given you in Him.

Ask God to clearly tell you what His mission is and how you can be part of it. Thank Him that it is His strength, not yours, that will accomplish the mission.

Pray for those of your family or friends who have not yet submitted to the power and authority of God. Pray for them to encounter Him in a life-changing way.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
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