Joseph’s story takes up the remainder of the book of Genesis and, as such, is one of the more detailed lives in the Bible. The story is of one who does right and yet seems to be hurt all the more for it. Yet, in the end, God exalts His beloved one and he stands as second in all the land of Egypt and is the instrument for the deliverance of the people of God. The practical message of his life is to do right and God will take care of the rest. But, for now and for several chapters to come, the outlook looks gloomy. We will have to wait to see the blessings of his righteous life.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob reaches great heights of spiritual maturity in this lesson. He wrestles with the angel of God and prevails. His name is changed form one that means supplanter to one that means prince of God. He faces his greatest fear (Esau) and comes out victorious. He is touched by God and is never the same again.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob’s vow (Genesis 28:20) asked of God both provision and protection. In this lesson, God gives provision and protection to Jacob. However, He also shows Jacob that the provision he receives is definitely from God and not a result of Jacob’s own manipulations. When Jacob’s wages become the marked cattle, he tries to make the cattle with the right marks be born (Genesis 30:37-42). But Laban changes his wages ten times (Genesis 31:7, 41) and makes it impossible for Jacob to influence the outcome. Finally, Jacob realizes that the Lord is the One who is blessing him (Genesis 31:7-9, 42).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob is still the deceiver. However, God is still blessing him and is certainly teaching him. In this lesson, he learns what it is to be deceived himself. We should consider our actions in like manner. Would we be willing to receive from others what we give to them?<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob has had it easy up to now. He has lived as a plain man in the tents (Genesis 25:27). He has been his mother’s favorite (Genesis 25:28). He has purchased his brother’s birthright and tricked him out of his blessing (Genesis 27:35-36). But now, his life of trickery begins to catch up with him. He must flee the country for his life’s sake and go 500 miles from home. Before God is through with Jacob, a “few days” (Genesis 27:44) will become 20 years and his beloved mother will die before he ever gets to see her again. Yet, God is working. In this lesson, Jacob takes a major step toward spiritual maturity. He will have far to go but he will be a better man for the experience in this chapter.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
