Jacob’s move to Paddan-Aram was never meant to be permanent, for the LORD had promised to bring Jacob back to the Promised Land. Joseph’s birth spurs Jacob to request leave of Laban, who continues his wily ways toward his nephew. Laban agrees to pay Jacob wages from his flocks, but Laban’s attempt to keep wealth for himself is futile. The LORD blesses Jacob’s strange breeding techniques and causes Jacob’s flocks to grow. Throughout the text, the LORD is faithful to the promise He made to Jacob, and He continues to sustain the line of the Promised Christ.

Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, pastor at St. James Lutheran Church and School in Lafayette, IN and Navy Chaplain with the United States Marine Corps, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 30:25-43.

To learn more about St. James, visit stjameslaf.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]