Genesis: The Beginning
Jacob and Laban 1-30-16
READ: Genesis 30:25–31:55
Yesterday, relational conflict was the biggest lesson from our text; Jacob’s family was familiar with conflict. Today, we will look at the relationship between Laban and Jacob; Jacob begins to gain wealth as God prospers him. We shall see Laban is not finished being a scoundrel.
Genesis: The Beginning
A Son for Rachel 1-29-16
READ: Genesis 30:1-24
Yesterday, Laban deceived Jacob into marrying not just one but two of his daughters: Leah and Rachel. Jacob worked fourteen years for Laban as dowry payment. Today, we will look at Jacob’s family and how conflict caused all kinds of wrong decisions.
Genesis: The Beginning
Jacob Chooses a Wife 1-28-16
READ: Genesis 29
Yesterday, in our reading, Jacob has a vision or dream from the LORD while he is resting in Bethel (translated “house of God”). In this dream, the LORD appears to Jacob and reaffirms the promises of the Abrahamic covenant that now belongs to him. Today, Jacob continues his journey to Haran where he will be looking for a wife.
Genesis: The Beginning
God, Jacob, and His Dream 1-27-16
READ: Genesis 28
Isaac accepts his favored child, Esau, will not be the one to fulfill the covenant blessing. The land God promised to Abraham will be passed down through Isaac’s line and into Jacob. Jacob has always been at home; not much of an explorer. I am thinking this was pretty stressful for Jacob. Do you like getting out of your comfort zone and traveling by yourself to places you have never been? It was Esau who was always outdoors and had experience with the land. Yet, now Jacob must follow Isaac’s instruction to leave a place of security and familiarity to explore the promised land (think about this line: ‘leave and go to the place I will show you’). Somebody say, “This is a set up!” God is going to show Jacob something about serving El Shaddai! So Jacob leaves.
Genesis: The Beginning
God, Jacob, and His Dream 1-27-16
READ: Genesis 28
Yesterday, we read about Jacob’s deception and how he used it to get the blessing of Isaac. This blessing determines the patriarchal succession; therefore, Isaac’s blessing links Jacob with the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. Today, we will read about Jacob and the dream he has from the LORD on his way to see Laban the brother of Jacob’s mother, Rebekah.
Genesis: The Beginning
Blessed by Deception 1-26-16
READ: Genesis 27
Yesterday, we made the journey with Isaac through the land of the Philistines; the circumstances grew ridiculous, but Isaac chose to remain in God’s peace. Today, we will witness a dark place in Jacob’s heart as he steps on the platform of deception with his mother to manipulate Isaac.
Genesis: The Beginning
Isaac in Philistine Land 1-25-16
READ: Genesis 26
Yesterday, we read about the battle of the birthright in the lives of Esau and Jacob. Today, we will see how Isaac succumbs to deception and spiritual insecurity; but also finds a way to prosper in the land of the Philistines—a pagan nation. Some of this sounds very familiar.
Genesis: The Beginning
Abraham Dies 1-24-16
READ: Genesis 25
Yesterday, we read about how God helped Eliezer find the right wife for Isaac according to Abraham’s request. Today, we will read about the sons of Abraham and how they handle their father’s death.
Genesis: The Beginning
A Wife for Isaac 1-23-16
READ: Genesis 24
Yesterday, we read about the death of Sarah, as well as Abraham’s first seed planted as a property owner in the Promised Land when he buys a cave in which to bury Sarah. Today, we will read about Isaac, the son of Promise, and how God provided him a wife, Rebekah.
Genesis: The Beginning
Sarah Dies 1-22-16
READ: Genesis 23
Yesterday, we read about the birth of Isaac, the dismissal of Ishmael and Hagar, as well as a ‘mountain-of-a-test’ for Abraham. Today, we will hold Abraham’s heart as his beloved Sarah dies and he makes arrangements for her burial.
