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BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the BibleNäide

BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the Bible

DAY 8 OF 30

After Abraham’s death, God’s blessing continues through his children and grandchildren. In a surprising reversal of ancient cultural expectations, God chooses Isaac’s younger son, Jacob, to inherit the blessing. Today’s video shows how God subverts the expected firstborn privileges that often lead to contentious rivalries. This upheaval of cultural norms can be an invitation for people to use their privilege to serve (rather than compete with) others.

“Jacob” means “deceiver,” and he lives up to the name. Rather than trusting God to provide abundance, security, and blessing, Jacob schemes and takes these things for himself. Notice how the biblical authors rarely give direct moral commentary on people like Jacob. Instead, we’re invited to assess a person’s behavior by seeing the consequences of their decisions.

Consider the way Jacob and his family treat God’s blessing, for example. Although God chose Jacob, Isaac wants to give the blessing to Esau, his favored son. The brothers barter an immeasurable blessing over a measly bowl of soup. Rebekah and Jacob lie, cheat, and steal to take the blessing rather than trusting God’s promise. All this scheming leads to bitterness and division within the family.

Is God really going to rescue humanity through such a dysfunctional family? Believe it or not—yes! When Jacob flees into exile, God speaks to him in a dream. He makes the same promise to Jacob as he did to Abraham: to bless all humanity through him. We may have reasonable doubts about Jacob, but God remains committed to his covenant partnership with Abraham’s family, imperfections and all.

Reflection questions:

  • Look back over Genesis 26. Where does Isaac act like his father in this story? Where does he make different decisions? What are the results?
  • Think about some of the major figures you’ve encountered in Genesis so far. How might their stories invite you to learn wisdom from the results of their actions?

About this Plan

BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the Bible

If the beginning of the Bible has ever confused you, this plan is for you. As we read through Genesis and Exodus, we’ll learn to see characters, settings, and patterns that bring the biblical story to life. This plan sets you up for a year-long journey through the entire Bible in BibleProject’s featured plan, “One Story that Leads to Jesus.”

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