JAMB CRS Note- Divine providence, Guidance and Protection
Table of Contents
- 1.0 Introduction
- 2.0 Guidance and Protection
- 3.0 Provision
- 4: CONCLUSION
- Objectives and Key Points
- MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
- 1. How did God guide Abraham’s servant in choosing a wife for Isaac?
- 2. What was the significance of Jacob’s dream at Bethel?
- 3. Why did God provide a pillar of cloud and fire for the Israelites?
- 4. What was the reaction of the Israelites when Pharaoh pursued them at the Red Sea?
- 5. How did God provide for the Israelites when they complained of hunger in the wilderness?
- 6. What lesson can be learned from God’s provision for Hagar and Ishmael?
- 7. What led to Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it?
- 8. Why did Elijah go to the widow of Zarephath?
- 9. What lesson can be learned from the parting of the Red Sea?
- 10. What was the consequence of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it?
1.0 Introduction
Divine providence refers to God’s supreme power, wisdom, and ability to control the affairs of humanity and creation. It is the belief that God actively intervenes in the lives of His people, leading them to their destinies and ensuring their survival, safety, and success. Divine providence can be categorized into three major aspects:
- Guidance – God directs His people towards the right path in life.
- Protection – God shields His people from harm, danger, and destruction.
- Provision – God supplies the needs of His people, ensuring their survival.
Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates His providence in the lives of individuals such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Elijah, as well as in the collective experience of Israel. The study of divine providence strengthens faith, encourages trust in God, and inspires obedience to His will.
2.0 Guidance and Protection
Guidance and protection are two ways God demonstrates His care for His people. Guidance refers to God’s direction in the lives of individuals or groups, while protection refers to His safeguarding them from harm or danger. These themes are evident in the lives of the patriarchs and the Israelites.
2.1 Divine Guidance in Choosing a Wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:1-61)
Background and Setting
As Abraham grew old, he became concerned about finding a suitable wife for his son, Isaac. He wanted Isaac to marry someone from his homeland, rather than from the Canaanite nations that did not worship the true God.
Abraham’s Instructions to His Servant
- Abraham called his most trusted servant, Eliezer, and instructed him to travel to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac from among his relatives.
- Eliezer, acknowledging the difficulty of the task, prayed to God for guidance.
- He asked for a specific sign: that the right woman would offer him and his camels water.
God’s Answer to Eliezer’s Prayer
- As soon as he finished praying, Rebekah arrived at the well.
- She fulfilled the sign exactly as Eliezer had requested.
- Recognizing God’s answer, Eliezer worshipped God and proceeded to negotiate the marriage with Rebekah’s family.
Lessons from This Event
- God answers prayers for guidance when approached in faith.
- God is involved in the affairs of human relationships and decisions.
- Trusting in God’s guidance leads to divine blessings.
2.2 Jacob’s Dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22)
Context of Jacob’s Journey
- Jacob fled from his brother Esau after deceiving him and taking his birthright.
- On his way to Haran, he stopped to rest for the night at a place later named Bethel.
Jacob’s Vision
- He saw a ladder extending from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending.
- God spoke to him, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac.
- God promised to be with him, bless him, and bring him back to the land.
Jacob’s Response
- He set up a stone as a pillar and named the place Bethel (“House of God”).
- He vowed to serve God if He fulfilled His promises.
Lessons from This Event
- God reveals Himself to those who seek Him.
- Divine guidance provides assurance and purpose.
- Encounters with God require a response of faith and commitment.
2.3 Jacob’s Journey to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7)
Context of Jacob’s Decision
- A severe famine forced Jacob and his family to seek food in Egypt.
- He learned that his son, Joseph, was alive and had become a powerful ruler.
Divine Reassurance
- Before leaving Canaan, Jacob sought God’s direction.
- God appeared to him in a vision at Beersheba, saying:
- “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.”
- “I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back again.”
Lessons from This Event
- God directs major life transitions.
- Seeking divine guidance brings clarity and confidence.
- God’s presence is constant in both familiar and foreign lands.
2.4 The Pillar of Cloud and Fire (Exodus 13:17-22)
Context of Israel’s Journey
- After leaving Egypt, the Israelites needed direction through the wilderness.
- God provided supernatural signs to lead them:
- A pillar of cloud by day to guide them.
- A pillar of fire by night to give light and protection.
Significance of the Pillar
- The cloud and fire symbolized God’s presence and leadership.
- They provided reassurance that God was actively leading them.
Lessons from This Event
- God provides clear direction in uncertain times.
- His presence ensures safety and security.
- Trusting divine leadership eliminates fear.
2.5 The Parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:1-4, 10-31)
The Crisis at the Red Sea
- Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued the Israelites with his army.
- Trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, the Israelites panicked.
- Moses reassured them with the words:
- “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
The Miracle of the Red Sea
- God instructed Moses to stretch out his staff over the sea.
- The waters parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land.
- When the Egyptians followed, the waters returned and drowned them.
Lessons from This Event
- God protects His people from their enemies.
- Faith is required to experience divine miracles.
- God’s power is greater than any human opposition.
3.0 Provision
Provision refers to God’s act of supplying the needs of His people. Throughout the Bible, God provides for His people in various ways, demonstrating His faithfulness and care.
3.1 Provision for Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:14-18)
- Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness with limited supplies.
- They ran out of water, and Ishmael was at the point of death.
- God heard Ishmael’s cry and revealed a well of water.
- He also promised to make Ishmael a great nation.
Lessons from This Event
- God provides for the helpless and abandoned.
- He responds to cries of distress.
- His provision comes at the right time.
3.2 Manna and Quail in the Wilderness (Exodus 16:1-21)
- The Israelites complained of hunger.
- God provided manna (bread from heaven) every morning and quail in the evening.
- They were instructed to gather only what they needed daily.
Lessons from This Event
- God meets the daily needs of His people.
- Obedience to divine instructions brings blessings.
- Greed and lack of faith lead to problems.
3.3 Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:1-16)
- During a famine, God sent Elijah to a poor widow.
- She had only a little flour and oil left.
- Elijah told her to make food for him first, promising her supply would not run out.
- She obeyed, and her flour and oil miraculously lasted throughout the famine.
Lessons from This Event
- God provides even in scarcity.
- Obedience and faith bring supernatural blessings.
- Generosity opens doors to divine provision.
4: CONCLUSION
God’s providence is evident throughout history in His guidance, protection, and provision. Trusting in Him leads to divine intervention in difficult situations. Believers are encouraged to depend on God’s leadership, knowing He is faithful to His promises.
Objectives and Key Points
i. Identify the different ways by which God guided and protected the people of Israel:
- Through visions and dreams (e.g., Jacob’s ladder).
- Through visible signs (e.g., the pillar of cloud and fire).
- Through miraculous interventions (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea).
- Through answered prayers (e.g., Abraham’s servant finding Rebekah).
ii. Specify how God provided for His people:
- By supplying basic needs like food (manna and quail) and water (from the rock).
- By providing substitutes in times of testing (e.g., the ram for Isaac).
- By using unexpected sources (e.g., ravens and a widow).
iii. Identify the different occasions when God provided for Israel:
- During the famine in Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7).
- In the wilderness (Exodus 16:1-21; 17:1-7).
- During the drought in Elijah’s time (1 Kings 17:1-16).
- In moments of desperation (e.g., Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness).
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. How did God guide Abraham’s servant in choosing a wife for Isaac?
A) By sending an angel to speak to him
B) By making him dream about Rebekah
C) By answering his prayer through a specific sign at the well
D) By instructing him to choose the most beautiful woman
2. What was the significance of Jacob’s dream at Bethel?
A) It showed that angels were always watching him
B) It reassured him of God’s presence and promises
C) It revealed his future as a king of Israel
D) It warned him against returning to Canaan
3. Why did God provide a pillar of cloud and fire for the Israelites?
A) To protect them from Pharaoh’s army
B) To guide them through the wilderness
C) To remind them of the Ten Commandments
D) To punish them for their disobedience
4. What was the reaction of the Israelites when Pharaoh pursued them at the Red Sea?
A) They sang praises to God
B) They courageously fought back
C) They panicked and blamed Moses
D) They immediately built an altar
5. How did God provide for the Israelites when they complained of hunger in the wilderness?
A) He sent them food from Egypt
B) He gave them manna and quail
C) He provided a river that flowed from the mountains
D) He instructed them to hunt for their food
6. What lesson can be learned from God’s provision for Hagar and Ishmael?
A) God only helps those who help themselves
B) God provides for those in distress
C) God does not care for people outside Israel
D) Hagar and Ishmael survived by their own strength
7. What led to Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it?
A) He was following his previous experience
B) He was frustrated with the Israelites’ complaints
C) He wanted to show his power before the people
D) He did not hear God’s instruction properly
8. Why did Elijah go to the widow of Zarephath?
A) God sent him there for provision during the famine
B) He was escaping from King Ahab
C) He wanted to perform miracles to gain popularity
D) The widow invited him to stay with her
9. What lesson can be learned from the parting of the Red Sea?
A) God rewards those who take risks
B) God protects and delivers His people from danger
C) The Israelites were strong enough to defeat Pharaoh
D) Obedience to leaders guarantees success
10. What was the consequence of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it?
A) He was rewarded for his action
B) He was denied entry into the Promised Land
C) The Israelites refused to drink the water
D) He was immediately struck dead
