The events of Jacobs life are instructive for the daily events of our lives. We learn that sin is still sin; it has consequences. But is God is greater than our sin.

One thing continues to characterize this patriarchal family—sin. While the work of Satan seeks to destroy this family, there's still good news. Satan and his schemes are not all-powerful and he can't undo the grace of God.

The story of Jacob and his four wives isn't a fairy tale. This is a real life family tale, not unlike the dysfunction in families today. Yet, in the end, this passage is a message of great hope. This passage shows us that God can make something beautiful even out of your life, by his grace and for his glory.

Genesis 29 records Jacob reaping some of the consequences of his actions, but also the beginnings of God fulfilling His promise. More importantly, we see that even when we are faithless, God is faithful.

On the run from his murderous brother Esau, Jacob receives a dream from the Lord that would forever shape his life. It is through this dream that God reveals that access to Him is not based on one's performance, but by faith in another's performance.

What does an ordinary family look like? The reality is, all families are dealing with sin. To a certain extent, we're all dysfunctional. The challenge is, how do we deal with those dysfunctions. The bigger question is must we be ordinary?

Jacob is a frightening picture of how most of us try to get blessing: we dress up as somebody else; somebody we're not.

A small moment in time forever changed the lives of two brothers. One legacy was changed for the better, and one for the far worse.

In this introduction to Jacob, we see his birth amidst the two struggles of barrenness and conflict. Jacob will struggle and wrestles for grace his entire life. But in Jacob, we learn about our own struggles, as well, we learn about the Lord’s faithfulness to us.

The gospel is not a moving fictional story about someone else. It is a true story about us. We are actually in it. Jesus saves us by taking our place. He reconciles us. Calls us ambassadors, then gives us a message to share.