The Jacob cycle in Genesis tells the story of the father of the nation. Abraham is the father of the faith but “the father of many nations.” Jacob with his twelve sons forms the nation of “Israel” (Jacob’s new name as we will see.) Jacob is portrayed as conniving with his mother, Rebekah, to steal his brother’s birthright. He flees the brother, Esau, and on the way has a vision sent from God. This vision requires him to claim the faith he inherited from his family as his own. However, at this stage in his faith development he is making deals with God. “If you do this for me…” Later he will find God is the one who has the plan that he must obey.
JULY82019
By Church Staff
