This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Genesis 28-34 by Dr. Wellum from Sunday June 1, 2008.

The Bible displays the life of Jacob and the patriarchs without cleaning up their faults and shortcomings. This shows that God works through sinful men to bring about his righteous purposes. We continue to look at the life of Jacob this week in Genesis 28-36. A key element in this section of Genesis is the change that takes place in Jacob.

In Genesis 28:20-22 Jacob responds to God’s promises at Bethel without much humility. The heel grabber and deceiver wishes to maintain his control. He basically makes a deal with God by saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” (vs.20-22) However, as Jacob’s story unfolds we will see a change in him.

Chapters 29-30 recount the interesting story of how Jacob works for seven years to earn Rachel, is tricked by his father-in-law receiving Leah, works another seven years for Rachel, and ultimately prospers greatly. The birth of many children is the beginning of God’s fulfillment to make Jacob into a great nation. In Chapter 31-32, Jacob leaves Laban to reenter the land. Upon hearing that Esau is coming to meet him, Jacob prepares for the worst and devises a plan to protect his family.

In Genesis 32:22-32, after sending his family and possessions across the ford of the Jabbok, Jacob has a life-changing encounter with God. Jacob wrestles with a man until daybreak, and will not let him go until He blesses him. Jacob’s name is changed to Israel, and after the encounter Jacob realizes that he has wrestled with God.

In chapter 33, Jacob meets Esau. Though he dreads meeting the brother who threatened his life years before, the reunion is a happy one. The two are reconciled to one another. It is also clear in this passage that Jacob has changed since he left the land. Three things point to this. First, he goes out first to meet Esau putting himself in the most danger. Second, he makes restitution to Esau by giving him a gift to win his favor. Third, he attributes all that he has, his children and his possessions, to the grace of God.

If chapter 33 is a highpoint for Jacob, chapters 34-35 are a low point for his sons. These chapters explain the remarks that Jacob makes about is sons in Genesis 49. Again, we see in these stories the unlikely people that God uses to bring about his purposes. Genesis 36 gives Esau’s genealogy. Next week, we will turn to the final chapters in the book of Genesis in the narratives about Joseph and his role in the fulfillment of God’s purposes.

At least two things can be learned in the life of Jacob. One, God takes the initiative in fulfilling his purposes and in keeping his promises. This would have given hope to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, and it gives us hope now in Jesus Christ. We know God is trustworthy. Two, God uses unlikely people to accomplish his purposes. Jacob and the other patriarchs are flawed and sinful. Jacob met God and was changed. Later he could attribute all things to God’s grace. We are also sinful and need to be transformed by God’s grace. Further, we should not count unlikely candidates out of God’s purposes. If we do, we fail to recognize the power of God.

Audio from this week’s lesson: Genesis 28-34.

~TWM