Jacob, although not a perfect man, was different than his brother. He was a “plain man”. The world did not draw him. While he lived in this world, he had his eye set upon a better prize. Esau did not care for the birthright. Jacob desired it. Jacob’s desire was better than Esau’s. What do you desire?

It is amazing that we read the name of Jacob in Hebrews 11- “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” (Heb. 11.21) Why is it an amazing thing? It is amazing, because when we look back at the life of Jacob, we do not find a man who walks perfectly according to the law. What we find in Genesis 27? We find a man who went to great lengths to deceive his father, Isaac, to obtain the blessing.

Isaac blessed Jacob with the blessing that Abraham received of God (Genesis 28:4). This was the blessing that God said should come upon Jacob (Genesis 25:23). However, because Jacob received the blessing by deceit, he would not only cause turmoil in the family, but would also be deceived. Esau hated Jacob with such a deep hatred that he desired to kill his brother.

Isaac blessed Jacob with the blessing that Abraham received of God (Genesis 28:4). This was the blessing that God said should come upon Jacob (Genesis 25:23). However, because Jacob received the blessing by deceit, he would not only cause turmoil in the family, but would also be deceived. Esau hated Jacob with such a deep hatred that he desired to kill his brother.

When Jacob fled from his brother Esau, the Lord had come to him, saying “I am with thee” (Genesis 28:15). Upon hearing these words, Jacob made a vow. He said, “if God will be with me...then shall the LORD be my God” (Genesis 28:20-21). In all that time God had been faithful. God had returned Jacob to the land of his fathers. Sadly, Jacob forgot his vow. In the opening verses of Chapter 35, it is God who reminds Jacob of His care. It is God who calls Jacob up to fulfill his vow and to “put away the strange gods that are among” them (Genesis 35:2). What do we learn here?

The events recorded in Genesis 37 focus our attention on a new figure wherein God opens more fully His redemption. Even though Joseph is the last major figure in the book of Genesis, this does not mean that he is the least important. Consider that 1⁄4 of the book of Genesis centers around the life of Joseph.

At first it might appear that Genesis 38 interrupts the history of Joseph. In reality, it acts as a point of com- parison between Judah and Joseph. In the last lesson, we see Joseph being sold into Egypt and now we are looking more closely at the life of Judah – the Judah who devised the plan to sell his brother. There seems to be very little to commend Judah to us.

One day, while Joseph was in prison, two other men were sent to prison. Who were these men? They were two servants, a butler and a baker, who had displeased their king, the king of Egypt. While in prison, both men dreamed dreams. Their dreams troubled them. Joseph, taking notice of them, asked them what troubled them. After hearing the dreams, Joseph interpreted them. He told the butler that he would be restored to his position. The interpretation of the baker’s dream was not so pleasant. In three days, he would be executed.

The events related in these chapters of Genesis are indeed beautiful. It is a story of brothers, once at enmity, brought together again in bonds of love. It is amazing to see how the brother they despised is the brother who embraces them. This picture, painted for us in Holy Scripture, is even more magnificent when we consider that it is an illustration of God, in Christ, reconciling a sinful people to Himself.

Joseph endured much suffering in this life. However, that suffering was not purposeless. It was through suf- fering that Joseph came to be the second most important person in Egypt. As the second most important person, Joseph would save many people. Not only were the lives of many Egyptians saved, but all the children of Jacob.