Jacob: The Faking, Breaking, and Making of a Man
A practical and biblical look at the life of Jacob.
Your Name Is Israel
March 4, 2023 • David Asscherick
The series finale! In our final installment we see Jacob broken (literally) and remade as God’s covenant man. On his way home, while fearing Esau, another encouraging encounter with Yahweh, like the one at Bethel, solidifies his calling and identity as Abraham and Issac’s heir to the great promise of land and descendants. And following Jacob’s night of intense combat, Israel is born! Jacob’s story is not over, but he is, at last, God’s man!
Family Feud
February 25, 2023 • David Asscherick
Jacob’s life of struggle continues. By this time, we are not surprised. His sister-wives and many children, and especially their feuding, are adding to his struggle. Furthermore, Laban’s consistent dishonesty and manipulation drive Jacob to a difficult but unavoidable decision: he must leave Padan Aram and return to his homeland, though risking death at the hands of Esau! Incredibly, through this giant and relatable mess, the children of Israel are on the verge of becoming a nation…
The Lair of the Liar
February 18, 2023 • David Asscherick
Jacob finds himself, freshly encouraged by the promises of Yahweh, arriving in the land of the eastern people. Things start well enough, but quickly take an unexpected turn for the worse. Jacob the deceiver finds himself on the receiving end of a cruel deception. Of course, we’ve all been lied to and we’ve all lied, so, once again, there’s a great deal here to learn and apply for us.
From Pillow to Pillar
February 11, 2023 • David Asscherick
We’ve all heard the saying, “between a rock and a hard place.” More than just hearing it, we’ve all been there! Jacob was also there, big time. In fact, his situation was so dark and difficult that he had to use a rock for a pillow! Here’s another well-known saying that applies well to this part of Jacob’s story, “it’s always darkest before the dawn.” In the darkest part of Jacob’s story, Yahweh shows up in a profoundly revelatory way. The story of “Jacob’s ladder” is actually the story of “Jesus’ ladder,” as we will see in this presentation.
The Faking of a Man
February 4, 2023 • David Asscherick
Jacob’s life contains many of the best-known stories in all of Scripture, and this study looks at one of them: Jacob’s deception of his aging and visually-imparied father, Isaac, under the enthusiastic advisement of his mother, Rebekah. Jacob’s choice to trick his father and deceitfully secure the coveted blessing will change his life forever. For the modern reader, there’s a great deal to learn and personally apply from this ancient story.
No Soup For You
January 28, 2023 • David Asscherick
Two brothers, two personalities, two nations, one pot of stew. In this well-known story of conflict, Jacob secures the long-treasured birthright from his elder brother, but has he really obtained it? Does he even understand it? The Bible says that, “Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). This is true, but as we’ll see in this study, so did Jacob!
The Struggle Begins
January 21, 2023 • David Asscherick
Of all the patriarchs in Genesis, Jacob’s life was characterized by conflict and struggle. In this eight-part series we’ll take an in-depth look at the conflicts and struggles of Jacob’s long, and often sad, life. Though it is an ancient story, there is so much here for us, its modern readers. We will be inspired, encouraged, challenged, and warned. Like Jacob himself, we will not leave these experiences unchanged. The series begins… and so does the struggle…