In Genesis 28, Jacob is sent away and while on his journey, he dreams of a ladder connecting Earth and Heaven, with angels ascending and descending, and God affirms His covenant with him. Jacob awakens in awe, realizing God’s presence in that place, and names it Bethel, the “house of God.” He makes a vow to serve God and tithe, demonstrating his deep faith in the Lord. This chapter marks a pivotal moment when Jacob’s faith is solidified, setting the stage for his role as a patriarch of Israel.

God’s election of Jacob over Esau works itself out as parental preference rots the relationship between siblings and each parent schemes to steal away the blessing on behalf of their favorite son. Join us as we continue in the patriarchal narratives and consider how the ugly side of the family of faith speaks a word of grace into our own lives.

Today we embarked on the next section of Genesis, the “generations of Isaac.” So little ink is devoted to this patriarch and yet there is much to be gleaned from this chapter. Abraham’s life ends and the promise continues.

Isaac is pushing forty and still a bachelor. What of the great nation to come? What of people like the sand of the shores and the stars of the heavens?

Here we confront head on one of the most difficult passages in scripture. How do we reconcile a loving God with one that required the sacrifice of Isaac?

We continue our journey through Genesis, examining the consequences of Abraham’s failures and the consistency of God’s faithfulness even in regards to Ishmael.