As the story of his life nears its end in Genesis, Jacob's family challenges seem to multiply. In Genesis 35, Jacob is betrayed by his eldest son, Reuben, and he experiences the death of three people very close to him; his father and beloved wife, Rachel.
These difficult stories in Jacob's life are a reminder of our need to continually trust the Lord in every circumstance of life - even when our emotions tell us otherwise.
Jacob's Family Troubles
Genesis 35
June 23, 2019 • Jeff Noble
Forgiveness is Final
September 15, 2019 • Jeff Noble
Joseph becomes overwhelmed with sadness following the realization that his brothers have not been enjoying their relationship with him due to the fact that they did not truly believe they were forgiven. He then reassures them that despite the circumstances he faced in regards to his brothers, God transformed it for his good. He later passes away and asks his brothers to take his bones to the promised land. Joseph's weeping mirrors the time when Jesus wept. We are reminded in Genesis 50 that Jesus died on the cross once to wipe away our sins forever. We are reminded of how much of a blessing God's commitment to forget is.
Future Grace
September 8, 2019 • Jeff Noble
Jacob addresses his sons in birth order and blesses them appropriately. When he gets to Joseph, he bestows a blessing that would continue onward to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob also acknowledges Joseph's unwavering allegiance to the Lord. In the midst of this, Jacob pauses to recognize his own need for God and declares an announcement of faith saying, "God I wait for your salvation."