This morning as we enter into December we reflect on Genesis 3, the entrance of sin into the world, and the announcement of the gospel that accompanied God’s coming in judgement. Lord, come quickly!

The generational sin of favoritism bears its wicked fruit as Joseph is betrayed, nearly murdered and then sold by his brothers. Jacob has lost a son. Reuben is distraught…but not over his guilt. Judah, the distant forefather of Christ, is boldly complicit in the affair. In the midst of all this wickedness, is there any hope for the chosen line of Abraham? Is the Lord absent?

In our Sunday School session today, we delved into Genesis 36 and 37. The scripture unfolds the lineage of Esau (otherwise known as Edom). He and his descendants dwell over and against their brothers, never to return to the promised land or to the Lord. Transitioning from this narrative, our focus shifted to Joseph—a bratty young man with dreams of grandeur.

Jacob, now back in the land with his family, is called by God to move to Bethel. But where did the idols come from, and why are people and places renamed for a second time? As we seek to answer these questions we see the promise to Abraham clearly restated in all of its elements to his grandson. Are we closer to seeing the promises fulfilled? And what do the stories of God’s continued faithfulness to Abraham’s children have to say to Israelites on their way out of Egypt, or to us?

Today we consider Genesis 33–34. In the first chapter we witness an emotional reunion marked by tension, reconciliation, and power plays. Jacob’s actions make it clear that he has no intention of living his life alongside Esau, and the undercurrent of mistrust may be mutual. Moving forward, the next chapter focuses on the defilement of Jacob’s daughter. So much sin and so little reconciliation! Passive Jacob has passed on his knack for deceit and yet even the narrator agrees that action must be taken!

Join in as we discuss Genesis 32, where we find Jacob at a crossroads. He is returning to Canaan after twenty years away, but he knows that his brother Esau is still angry with him for stealing their father’s blessing. Jacob is afraid but not paralyzed; prayerful and yet proactive!
It is also a story about Jacob’s wrestling match with God. In the end, Jacob is given a new name, Israel, meaning “he who struggles with God.” He and we are powerfully reminded that God is always with us, even in the midst of the struggle.

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.

In Genesis 30, we see Jacob’s journey with Laban culminate. God protects and provides for Jacob amid Laban’s deceit. Jacob, initially seeking refuge, now heads a growing household. His wives, Leah and Rachel, have children, and maidservants do too. Laban manipulates Jacob’s wages, but God ensures Jacob’s well-being and prosperity, multiplying his flocks and resources. This highlights God’s faithfulness and promise fulfillment to His chosen people.

This morning we continue in the patriarchal narratives and move into Genesis 29, asking what will become of the promises to Abraham as Jacob departs from the promised land in search of a wife. What is the nature of his interaction with the shepherds? How is Rachel portrayed? Why does Laban trick Jacob into marrying Leah first, and how on earth did he not know? How do we see God at work despite and even by means of so many competing human schemes? And we didn’t even get around to talking about meeting an eligible young maiden at a well…