The last chapter of Genesis draws us to a close of sorts, and yet contains a to-be-continued feel. God’s faithfulness to bring Abraham’s family to this moment points to future faithfulness yet to come, though some elements of the promise are not yet fulfilled. Join us as we reflect on the book and discuss the reflex of faith that causes both Jacob and Joseph to desire a burial in the promised land, even as their descendants remain in Egypt for the time being.

As we delve into Genesis 31, we are prompted to reflect on Genesis 12 and the elements of the covenant the Lord made with Abraham, which encompassed people, place, and divine presence. We ponder the importance of the fresh covenant forming between Jacob and Laban, harkening back the events of Genesis 15. We question the irony of Laban’s attempt to rescue his household gods, exposing their helplessness to even manifest themselves in the process of his search.

Today we backtracked a bit and considered the themes of People, Place, Presence and Program in the life of Abraham, the lives of his descendants, and throughout scripture as a whole.