Genesis 34 is one of the darker moments in Genesis. Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, is raped by a local prince and then Jacob’s sons act deceptively and cruelly to avenge their sister. This chapter displays the character of Jacob’s sons, who will play an important role in the upcoming chapters of Genesis. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

After many years, Jacob and Esau will finally meet again. But does Esau still harbor his murderous anger toward Jacob? Is Jacob still the deceiver who manipulated Esau? Genesis 33 is a beautiful picture of repentance and forgiveness between two brothers. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Jacob has been a deceiver several times throughout his life. In fact, that’s what his name means. Because of his deception, Jacob has also been a runner - always having to run from his past deception. But now, in Genesis 32, Jacob will have to come face-to-face with God and own up to who he has become without God. If he truly wants to be blessed by God, he can no longer run from who he is. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Genesis 31, Jacob finally decides to go home after working for Laban - his father-in-law - for 20 years. But Jacob knows Laban won’t like him leaving, so he packs up and leaves. When Laban catches up to him, Jacob unleashes all his frustrations on Laban. Jacob’s faith has grown in the Lord over those 20 years with Laban, and the Lord protects Jacob during this tense transition period for Jacob’s family. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Genesis 30 describes the problems taking place between Rachel and Leah, as well as between Jacob and his father-in-law Laban. Lies created a family that was overrun with bitterness and mistrust. But in the middle of this “soap opera,” we see God remaining true to His promises. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

When Jacob arrives at his Uncle Laban’s home, he is treated like family - for a little while. But it doesn’t take Jacob very long to figure out that Laban - much like himself - isn’t someone who can be trusted. This chapter begins Jacob’s frustrations with Laban and also tells the sad story of a wife desperate for her husband’s love. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Genesis 28, Jacob leaves home to travel to his mother’s family. He’s not leaving under the best circumstances. Esau has threatened to kill Jacob, and Jacob is afraid of his brother. God tells Jacob in his dream the same promise He made to Abraham and Isaac, and also comforts Jacob’s fears. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

Jacob and his mother Rebekah conspire to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. This is a sad chapter in Scripture that ends with the breakup of this family. We are once again reminded of the importance of not taking matters into our own hands - but rather, we must trust God and do things His way. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

In Genesis 26 we find Isaac’s trust in God’s promises wavering, just as his father Abraham’s faith once wavered. But we also see God remaining faithful to His promises. Genesis 26 is a beautiful reminder of how God continues to care for His people even when we stumble sometimes in trusting Him. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe

There’s a lot that happens in Genesis 25. * Abraham marries again after Sarah’s death and has more children. * Abraham dies. * We learn about Ishmael’s family and death. * Jacob and Esau are born. * Esau sells his birthright to Jacob. The scene shifts from Abraham to Isaac for a brief moment before the focus is placed on Jacob. Get full access to Centered on Christ at centeredonchrist.substack.com/subscribe