Category: Bible & Theology
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 29:31-31:55 Focus: Genesis 29:31-30:24 In this account of the birth of Jacob’s first 11 sons, we find each son given name with meaning. Respective to the situation of their birth, each son was named accordingly. While the names are important, what stands out in this account of Jacob’s children is the situation which they are born into. Two sisters, Jacob’s wives—Leah and Rachel, compete for the love and affection of their husband (and you wonder why you would want more than one spouse?).
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 26:1-29:30 Focus: Genesis 28:20-22 How often are we tempted to say, or do we hear people say, “God if you do this in my life, I’ll believe in you!” It defies the very nature of faith, and yet, this is what Jacob said to God. “If God will be with me … then the LORD will be my God.” Yet, it is the very sort of faith we attempt to appeal against, the testing of God, trying God out, money back guarantee—buy now and return in 60 days if you don’t like it…
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 24:1-25:34 Focus: Genesis 25:19-26 With the days of Abraham behind us, we move to the next generation of the Promise, Isaac and the birth of his sons, Jacob and Esau. One of the standout features of the story of Genesis, reflected in the birth account of Jacob and Esau, is its detail on the future. In this instance, it is the relationship of the brothers; as the brothers wrestled in the womb, Rebekah sought God for understanding: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will…
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 21:1-23:20 Focus: Genesis 23:1-20 As with each story, there is an end, at this point in the story, it is the end of Sarah’s tale. Yet, in her death we begin to see the influence and renown of Abraham among the people with whom he lived. At the time, living among the Hittites, Abraham sought provision of land from them to bury his wife, Sarah. It is a telling story of the relationship that Abraham had with those around him.
Cover to Cover Reading: Genesis 18:1-20:18 Focus: Genesis 18:1-15 The story of Abraham is one of great anticipation, of which the central focus is God’s promise to make Abraham into a great nation. However, it is also a story of human disruption in the divine plan, as time and time again, Abraham does stupid things because he lacks faith in trusting for God’s provision and protection. God had made it explicitly clear to Abraham that Sarah herself would give birth to a child, but instead Abraham had a son with Hagar, Sarah’s servant. As Abraham travelled throughout various cities, he…
