The Lord is shaping me in ways I never imagined.  Today was one of those days spent down in the well with Jacob.  I will be so glad to get some rest and am claiming the scripture that joy comes in the morning! Genesis 38 introduced the story of Judah, another of Jacob’s sons (by Leah) and Jacob’s brother.  The legacy of deceitfulness and broken promises continues in this history.  Judah moved away from home and got married.  He had three sons.  Back then, if a man died before giving his wife children, the man’s brother married her and gave … Continue reading Genesis 38-40: Needing some Living Water today

I just re-read the brutal account of Joseph and the well with fresh (and sleepy!) eyes.  I never before noticed that after his brothers threw him down into the empty well, they sat down to eat.  Did you get that? The brutality of such an act is beyond me.  I can’t sit down to eat when I am stressed out about conflict!  It seems so cavalier and callous to sit down to dinner while contemplating the murder of your own brother. Yet despite their devious plans, God stepped in and turned Joseph’s life towards another path.  Perhaps he overheard them … Continue reading Genesis 35-37:The Symphony

It seems that “buttering up” a potential enemy is an ancient practice. Jacob, who stole his brother Esau’s birthright and blessing, was about to encounter his brother after a long absence. When he fled, Esau was planning to murder him! So it must have been with tremendous trepidation that Jacob obeyed God and returned to the land of Caanan. I think the fight between God and Jacob may have been Jacob dreading his reception. He may have had a crisis of faith and felt like he was leading his family to the slaughter. Even after the meeting was cordial and … Continue reading Genesis 32-34

Deceit and trickery. That is what comes to mind in the reading of these chapters. I don’t understand what a spotted branch has to do with spotted offspring, but I do think God was using genetics to cause the strong spotted animals to be born as part of Jacob’s flock. I am also confused about why Laban had household idols and why Rachel stole them and lied about them…right after a speech about how God was with Jacob. Inquiring minds want to know!! More on this later… Continue reading Genesis 30-31

Short posts next few days via my phone. A question…why did Isaac not realize that he was eating domesticated goat meat when “wild food” was his favorite dish? Was he so old he couldn’t smell or taste well? And…my heart aches for Leah every time I read about the horrible trick her dad made her participate in. She loved Jacob so much! But I guess he must have felt at least something for Leah because she had many children by him! No insights tonight. Just exhaustion after a long car ride and thankfulness for safe travels. Continue reading Genesis 27-29:Leah