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…

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 considered the office of elder, both its qualifications and duties, as outlined by our Book of Church order and in light of the descriptions and charges given by Paul and Peter (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5). We ask you to join us in prayer as we consider whom to nominate to this office at Faith PCA, and as those nominated enter into a season of training and examination for office.

In the next chapter of Genesis we find Isaac following his father’s footsteps, in both faith and failings. In the midst of the ups and downs, the schemings and scathings, we are yet reminded of the ordinary and often invisible workings of God’s ever-present care for his people. What will become of this son of the promise and the sons his wife has brought into the world?

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.