“When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them [Paul and Silas] into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.” - Acts 16:23-24

I don’t dream very often anymore. If I do, I don’t remember what I’ve dreamt about when I wake up in the morning. But many years ago, when I was a child, I used to have bad nightmares. They would wake me up in the middle of the night sweating and terrified. As an example, there was a streetlight outside my window that I used to dream about coming alive and chasing after me. Anyway, I prayed for many years that I’d stop having dreams altogether, and eventually God granted my request.

This morning we are going to read about and discuss dreams. Joseph has been called “The Prince of Dreams” because he both had dreams and interpreted them for others. In an upcoming message, we will see how God uses Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams as the means of freeing him from prison. Today however, we will see him interpret the dreams of his fellow inmates.
    
I. WE EACH HAD A DREAM (v1-8)

Joseph had likely been incarcerated for a while before he was given authority by the chief jailer to oversee the prisoners - perhaps a few years. At some point, 2 of Pharaoh's servants (his cupbearer and head baker) offended and infuriated the king. He subsequently placed them in prison - in the same facility where Joseph was confined. The cupbearer and head baker were added to those under Joseph’s charge, and he took care of them.

One night, both of Pharaoh’s servants had a dream. Their dreams were different from one another, but both were perplexing. The next morning, Joseph noticed that both men seemed distressed. He asked them why they were so sad and upset. The cupbearer and head baker explained that they’d each had a troubling dream, and knew of no one who could interpret them. Joseph stated that interpretations belong to God and asked them to tell their dreams to him.

Several years earlier, when Joseph was just a boy, he himself had 2 God-given dreams about the future. In the first, his brothers’ sheaths bowed down before his. In the second, the sun, moon, and 11 stars bowed down before him. Both of his childhood dreams predicted that someday Joseph would rule over his own family members (Genesis 37:5-11). Now Joseph was placed in the position of interpreting someone else’s dreams.

There are numerous examples in the Bible of people having dreams and visions. God frequently used them to communicate truths to people many years ago. Now that the Bible is complete, we have easy access to the written Word of God which includes His teachings, prophecies, and so forth. Therefore, dreams and visions are no longer as necessary as they once were. God can still use them, especially in places where the gospel is scarce, but we should rely on the full and final revelation of Scripture. Not all dreams and visions are of God, which can cause them to be misleading and harmful.

II. WHAT DO THEY MEAN? (v9-19)

The cupbearer began by describing his dream to Joseph. In it, he had seen a vine with 3 branches. He watched as the branches budded, blossomed, and produced clusters of ripe grapes. He took some of these grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh's cup which he was holding, and placed it in Pharaoh’s hand. Upon hearing the dream, Joseph explained that the branches represented days. He predicted that in 3 days, the cupbearer would be released from prison and restored to his former office. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him and plead on his behalf once he was released. 

The head baker went next.  He shared his dream with Joseph. In it, there were 3 baskets of white bread stacked on the baker’s head. In the top basket were all sorts of baked food for Pharaoh and the birds above were eating out of it. Upon hearing the dream, Joseph explained that the baskets represented days. He predicted that in 3 days, Pharaoh would hang the baker’s body from a tree and the birds would scavenge his corpse.

In the Bible, God would often enable prophets to make predictions about the immediate future. When these prophecies came true, it would bolster their credibility in the minds of their listeners. This would make their longer term prophecies more believable and trustworthy. Now that we have the Bible, the reliability and truthfulness of preachers and teachers should be measured against their strict adherence to Scripture.   

III. DREAMS DO COME TRUE (v20-23)

3 days later, everything happened just as Joseph had predicted. It was Pharaoh’s birthday and there was a huge party for all his servants. During the celebration, Pharaoh brought the cupbearer and head baker out from prison and stood them before everyone. He then reinstated the cupbearer to his former position and had the head baker hanged.

Though the cupbearer once again enjoyed the audience of Pharaoh and served him regularly, he forgot to mention how Joseph had been unfairly accused and unjustly imprisoned. Joseph had hoped that the cupbearer would convince Pharaoh to release him from jail. Unfortunately, the cupbearer didn’t speak to Pharaoh about it at all. So Joseph remained in prison, serving hard time for a crime he didn’t commit.

Do you ever feel forgotten or overlooked? Perhaps you’ve done something kind or generous for someone and they’ve failed to remember it or acknowledge it. Feeling this way can often lead to discouragement or despair. It can make you feel alone or unappreciated. But don’t fret… though people might forget about the good things you’ve done (oftentimes unintentionally) God does not. He will never forget those who faithfully serve Him and minister in His name to others (Hebrews 6:10). 

CONCLUSION

Joseph is the most famous dreamer and interpreter of dreams in the Bible. During the Patriarchal Age, God gifted Him with this special ability. That was then, and this is now. I personally believe that such dreams and visions are rightly compared with the “cessation gifts” of miracles, healings, and tongues. Let me explain...

Cessationism teaches that certain spiritual gifts, referred to as the sign gifts, which were common in Biblical times have all but ceased to exist today. God granted these gifts to prophets and apostles centuries ago as a means of establishing their identity and authority. They were tools that helped accomplish His purposes. Since the end of the apolostolic age however, these particular gifts are no longer given to individual believers. God can and still performs miracles today, but not through supernaturally empowered healers, dreamers, and so on.

I will close today’s message with a quote that my wife shared on Facebook a few weeks ago. When I read it, it left a strong impression. It is attributed to Dustin Benge, a prominent Baptist theologian, professor, and author. He said:

“The Bible is better than visions, more reliable than emotions, greater than miracles, more trustworthy than experience, stronger than tradition.  Do you want to know God?  Do you want to hear God?  Read the Bible.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” - Matthew 5:11

After discussing Judah and his family last week, this morning we will return our attention to Joseph. As you may recall, Joseph was his father Jacob’s favorite son. Jacob even made Joseph a coat of many colors which he proudly showed off to his brothers. Joseph sometimes snitched on his brothers and caused them to get in trouble. He openly shared his dreams of ruling over them someday. The brothers hated him for these things and conspired to kill him. Instead, they decided to sell him to a band of foreign merchants.

In today’s message, we resume our discussion of Joseph’s incredible life. I have titled this sermon “Falsely Accused”. It is the 24th message of “The Chosen Church: Getting To Know the Patriarchs” series.  

I. ELEVATED (v1-6b)

After being sold to the Ishmaelite traders, Joseph was taken from Canaan to Egypt. Upon arrival, they sold him as a slave to Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh. Potiphar was the captain of the bodyguard. Joseph became a servant in Potiphar’s house and the LORD blessed him. Over time, Joseph’s success became evident and his master recognized that everything he did prospered. Therefore, Potiphar made Joseph his personal assistant and put him in charge of overseeing and managing his household.

God began to bless Potiphar’s house and property because he’d placed Joseph in charge of it. Everything that Joseph was given responsibility over flourished and thrived. Increasingly, Potiphar gave Joseph more and more control. Eventually the only thing that Potiphar had left to be concerned about was the food that he ate. Joseph took care of everything else for him.

Prior to his arrival in Egypt, the Bible presents Joseph as a somewhat snooty, spoiled, and unlikable teenager. However, while he lived with Potiphar, Joseph worked hard, earned the respect and admiration of his master, and enjoyed remarkable success (especially due to God’s blessing). His attitude and demeanor seemed better, and he’d definitely matured as a person. Sometimes going through a traumatic experience, like being sold into slavery, changes your perspective and forces you to grow up quickly. Whatsmore, sometimes people just need a fresh start in a new place somewhere far away from their past.  

II. BLAMED (v6c-18)

Joseph was a handsome young man and Potiphar’s wife was strongly attracted to him. She began making sexual advances towards him and sought to entice Joseph into sleeping with her. But Joseph did not want to betray his master nor sin against God, so he repeatedly refused her propositions. She continued trying to seduce him day after day, but he always resisted.

One day Joseph was working alone in the house and no other people were around. Potiphar’s wife approached him, grabbed his garment, and demanded that he sleep with her. Joseph quickly fled from her presence, leaving his garment behind in her hand. Frustrated and angry, she gathered the men of the house and falsely accused Joseph of trying to sexually assault her. She showed them his garment and claimed that he’d tried to force himself on her, but ran away when she screamed. She later repeated this same lie to her husband, Potiphar, when he returned home.

There are many examples men who commit acts of sexual harassment and/or assault against women. Those who are guilty of this behavior should be held accountable. In no way do I or should we ever condone such conduct. On the other hand, there are also numerous instances in which innocent men are falsely accused of such things. Often in these cases, untrue and slanderous allegations impede or even destroy the young man’s life. Serious charges like these should be thoroughly investigated to determine the truth, not merely accepted at face value.

III. IMPRISONED (v19-23)

Though he was completely innocent, Joseph was placed in prison for attempting to rape Potiphar’s wife. The jail where he was confined housed only the king’s prisoners - those incarcerated by the king’s decree. While there, God’s favor was upon Joseph once again and he caught the attention of the chief jailer. As time went by, the chief jailer began giving him management and oversight responsibilities so that eventually Joseph was in charge of all the prisoners. The chief jailer trusted him completely.

Though he was in prison, Joseph made the best of his circumstances and rose to a position of leadership. He had done the same thing while serving as a slave in Potiphar’s house. In both instances, Joseph succeeded in spite of his challenging environment. There is no doubt that some people have an easier path than others, but Joseph’s story clearly demonstrates that one’s surroundings should not limit their achievements.

With God’s help, anyone can rise above their circumstances and find success. Doing so requires a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a healthy reliance of the LORD. Joseph could have easily cursed God for his many misfortunes, wallowed in self-pity, and given up on himself - but he didn’t. Instead he faced every new day with a passionate desire to become the best he could be where he was. Success shouldn’t be measured in comparison to others and their situations, but rather in the achieving of one’s own potential.

CONCLUSION

As we observed earlier in this series, there are several noticeable similarities to be seen between Joseph’s life and that of Jesus Christ. We’ve already seen images that foreshadowed His betrayal, death, and resurrection. Let’s elaborate on a couple more commonalities as we wrap things up this morning.

First, while serving as a slave Joseph was faced with constant temptation. Can you imagine the challenging nature of his work environment? Yet, though he was a sinner in numerous other ways, Joseph successfully resisted the ongoing attempts of seduction made by Potiphar’s wife. In comparison, Jesus left His heavenly home, took on flesh, and came to live in the fallen world where sin abounds. He faced all sorts of temptations, just as we do each day, yet He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

Second, Joseph was condemned on the basis of false testimony. Potiphar’s wife accused him of doing something that he didn’t do, and he was subsequently put in prison for it. Jesus was also convicted based on contrived and even conflicting evidence (Matthew 26:59, Mark 14:56). Ultimately, Jesus was sentenced to death for inciting rebellion against Rome (treason or sedition) - a bogus charge that was totally false.

“The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar,” - Matthew 1:1-3a

In last week’s message we turned our attention to Joseph and began our discussion of his incredible life. He was despised by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, and taken away to Egypt… and this was just the beginning of many adventures to come. Next week we will return to and continue reading Joseph’s compelling story.

However, this morning we will shift the spotlight (albeit briefly) to Judah, one of Joseph’s older brothers. Based upon other Biblical evidence and a little common sense, the events described in this chapter most likely cover a span of around 25-30 years. Therefore, they were happening to Judah in Canaan at the same time that Joseph’s remarkable story was unfolding in distant Egypt. Keep this in mind as our study goes on. They are parallel accounts designed to contrast these 2 important siblings. 

I. 2 BAD BROTHERS (v1-11)

Unlike Abraham, Issac, and Jacob who married among their own Hebrew relatives and started families late in life, all of Jacob’s sons married Gentile wives and started having children much earlier. Judah is no exception. While still a young man, Judah went to visit his friend Hirah in the nearby town of Adullam. While there he saw and fell in love with an unnamed Canaanite woman identified only as the “daughter of Shua”. They were married and began having children immediately. Within a short span, the couple had 3 sons - Er, Onan, and Shelah.

Several years passed and these boys grew into young men themselves. Judah chose a young maiden named Tamar to be the wife of his oldest son Er. However, before they could come together to produce a child, Er died. In keeping with their custom, Er’s younger brother Onan was responsible for maintaining his deceased brother’s family line. Therefore Onan went in and slept with Tamar. However, Onan knew that if she had a baby, the child would legally be considered Er’s heir - not his. So Onan took action to insure that Tamar did not become pregnant. Subsequently, he died also.

Judah’s only remaining son, Shelah, was not yet old enough to marry. Judah asked his daughter-in-law Tamar to remain a widow and live in her father’s house until Shelah came of age. Perhaps then they could produce children for Shelah’s older brothers and for themselves. Heartbroken and childless, Tamar agreed to do so. Meanwhile Judah was having second thoughts. He feared that somehow Tamar was bad luck, and worried that Shelah might also die prematurely should he ever be married to her.

The Bible plainly states that God took Er’s life because he was “evil” and took Onan’s life because his actions were “displeasing in the sight of the LORD”. Tamar had nothing to do with their untimely deaths. This passage has been cited throughout history to argue against all forms of contraceptives and/or birth control. Proponents assert that Onan sinned by using preventative measures to ensure that Tamar did not get pregnant during sex. They assert that any such efforts are morally wicked. Personally, I believe this position mischaracterizes the true nature of Onan’s sin, stretches the actual meaning of the text, and is inconsistent with the broader teaching of Scripture on the issue of sex. Perhaps we can dig more deeply into the matter of birth control in a future sermon.

II. 2 DESPERATE PEOPLE (v12-23)

Tamar quietly and dutifully waited through the next few years. During this time, Judah’s wife died and he became a widower. Eventually Shelah reached the necessary age for marriage, but Judah was hesitant to pair him with Tamar. One day she learned that Judah and his friend Hirah were going to Timnah to supervise the shearing of his sheep. Having witnessed Judah’s reluctance, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute, covered her face with a veil, and waited along the roadside at the gate of Enaim for him to pass by.

When they met, Judah didn’t recognize his daughter-in-law. Thinking her to be a harlot and longing for the intimacy he’d lost, Judah offered to give her a young goat from his flock in exchange for her services. However, he did not have a goat with him at the time. Therefore, Tamar took Judah’s seal (signet ring), cord, and staff as a pledge until the animal could be delivered. Once the details of payment had been arranged, Judah went in and slept with Tamar. Afterwards he continued on his way, while she returned home having become pregnant by her own father-in-law.

When they arrived at Timnah, Judah took one of his goats, gave it to his friend Hirah, and sent him back to find and pay the prostitute. Hirah returned to Enaim, but couldn’t find her. He asked the local citizens if they’d seen her - and they hadn’t. Frustrated, Hirah returned again to Timnah and told Judah that she was gone. Judah decided to keep quiet about the incident because he reasoned that people would laugh at him if word got out.      

This story provides an example of 2 people engaging in a sexual relationship for very different reasons. Judah hired what he thought was a prostitute for his own personal pleasure. For him this was a one-night stand - no strings, no consequences. On the other hand, Tamar (who was justifiably upset with Judah from withholding his son Shelah from her) was purposefully trying to get pregnant. She wanted a baby, even if it required taking extreme measures.

III. 2 NEW BABIES (v24-30)

About 3 months later, Judah learned that his daughter-in-law Tamar was pregnant. He was absolutely furious and wanted her killed for not faithfully waiting on Shelah. But when she showed him the signet ring, cord, and staff, Judah immediately recognized what he’d done. He even took responsibility for it, reasoning that if he’d simply given Shelah to her in a timely manner the whole episode could have been avoided. He made no effort to punish Tamar for her deceit.

When the months of her pregnancy were over, Tamar gave birth to twin boys. During the delivery, one of the babies stuck their hand out. The midwife tied a scarlet thread around it to identify which child was born first. But then the baby withdrew its hand and the other son came out instead. So the firstborn child was named Perez, which means “to breach” or “to bust forth”. The second born son (who had the thread tied on his hand) was named Zerah, which means “dawning” or “shining”.

CONCLUSION

As we wrap our study this morning, it is worth mentioning that Tamar is 1 of only 4 women named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. This quartet includes Tamar (the daughter-in-law of Judah), Ruth (the wife of Boaz), Bathsheeba (the wife of King David), and Mary (the wife of Joseph). Of these, only Mary was a Jew. Tamar and Bathsheba were both Canaanites and Ruth was a Moabite. Yet God divinely permitted these Gentile women (and perhaps others left unnamed) to become ancestors of Christ. By His birth Jesus was a Jew, but (like virtually all of us) His true ethnicity was mixed to some extent. He represented the Gentiles as well. He came to make salvation available to everyone!

“For my soul has had enough troubles, and my life has drawn near to Sheol. I am reckoned among those who go down to the pit; I have become like a man without strength, forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and they are cut off from Your hand. You have put me in the lowest pit, in dark places, in the depths.” - Psalm 88:3-6 

Thus far, our series has focused on 3 primary characters - Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. These men are the patriarchs of the Jewish people. This morning our spotlight will shift once again. Beginning with today’s message and for the remainder of the series, we will be concentrating on Jacob’s children - particularly on his son Joseph. Though Joseph is not one of the patriarchs, his story providentially sets the stage for the next chapter of Jewish history.  

I. DESPISED BY HIS BROTHERS (v1-11)

Jacob and his family settled in Hebron, where both Abraham and Issac had sojourned before him. His son Joseph, who was just a baby when Jacob left Paddan-Aram, was now 17 years old. He and his brothers were responsible for pasturing their father’s flocks. One day, Joseph brought back a bad report about some of the things they were doing. In other words, he told on them. Joseph was a snitch, and his brothers didn’t like it.

Furthermore, Joseph was one of Rachel’s sons and therefore held a special place in his father’s heart. Jacob openly favored him over all of his other children, and even went so far as to make him a multi-colored tunic symbolizing his esteemed status. It would seem that Jacob, having himself experienced the toxicity of a father’s favoritism, would have avoided repeating this same behavior - but he didn’t. This was another reason why Joseph’s brothers despised him.

To make matters worse, Joseph had a dream that he and his brothers were binding sheaves in the field. In the dream, their sheaves bowed down before his. Then he had a second dream in which the sun, moon, and 11 stars all bowed before him. In both of these dreams, Joseph’s brothers were symbolically portrayed as submitting to and showing allegiance to him. Joseph felt superior to his brothers, and his lofty dreams and prideful arrogance further alienated them. In short, they hated him.

Let’s face it… Joseph was a pompous brat and his brothers had plenty of valid reasons not to like him. But, let’s not forget, his father Jacob had not been the best brother when he was young either. Remember how Jacob took advantage of Esau regarding the birthright and his father’s blessing? Remember how Esau hated him for it? Now, a generation later, we see young Joseph offending his brothers in similar fashion. As they say, “Like father, like son”. 

II. THROWN IN A PIT (v12-24)

Now Jacob’s brothers had taken their father’s flocks to pasture near Shechem. Jacob sent Joseph to go check on them and see if they were okay. So Joseph came to Shechem, but his brothers were not there. A stranger approached him and asked, “Who are you looking for?” When Joseph answered the man told him that his brothers had moved on toward Dothan. Joseph continued to Dothan in search of them.

As he approached, his brothers saw him in the distance and plotted to kill him. They planned to throw his dead body in a pit and say that he’d been devoured by a wild animal. Reuben, the oldest son, convinced his brothers not to kill Joseph immediately but rather to throw him alive into a pit. As the firstborn, Reuben knew that he would likely be held most responsible should anything bad happen. In truth, Reuben secretly hoped to go “rescue” Joseph later and then take the credit for saving him.

When Joseph came near, the brothers seized him and stripped off the clothes he was wearing. Joseph had on his multi-colored tunic - the one he purposely wore around to flaunt himself as the favorite son. His enraged brothers cast poor, almost naked Joseph into a deep, waterless pit and left him there to die.

III. SOLD INTO SLAVERY (v25-36)

While they were eating, the brothers saw a caravan of Ishmaelites passing by on their way to Egypt. One of the brothers, Judah, proposed that they sell Joseph to these traveling merchants. He reasoned that killing Joseph was too extreme - after all, they were brothers. By selling him, they could avoid having “blood on their hands”, Joseph would still be gone, and they’d all make a little money in the process. The brothers agreed that this was a better idea than either killing him or leaving him to die.

There are 2 competing explanations for what happened next. The first is that Reuben, for some unknown reason, was not with his brothers when they sold Joseph to these Ishmaelites (synonymously called Midianites). Thus, when Reuben returned to the pit later he was surprised to find that Joseph was already gone. The second possibility is that Reuben returned to the pit on behalf of his brothers to retrieve Joseph so that they could sell him. However, when he arrived Joseph wasn’t there. Some Midianite traders had already found him and sold him to the Ishmaelites.

Either way, Joseph was long gone. So the brothers slaughtered a goat and dipped Joseph’s colorful coat in its blood. They took the blood-stained tunic to their father Jacob and gave it to him for inspection. The brothers claimed that Joseph had been fatally attacked by a wild animal. Jacob saw the evidence, believed their report, and was devastated to hear that his favorite son was dead. He mourned deeply for many days and refused to be comforted. Meanwhile, the Ishmaelites took Joseph to Egypt and sold him into slavery. He became the servant of Potipher, the captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard.

Jacob lived the next several years believing that his precious son Joseph was dead. Perhaps his guilty brothers convinced themselves into thinking the same thing. Maybe it helped them sleep better at night. For many years to follow, even as they watched their aging father languish in grief, they kept silent about what really happened. Perhaps they thought that telling him would only cause more harm. Maybe, but sometimes additional pain is necessary so that true healing can begin. In any case, keeping a secret in order to conceal one’s sin is always wrong (Proverbs 28:13).

CONCLUSION

The passage we’ve studied today, like so many others in Scripture, clearly foreshadows the life and death of Jesus Christ. It is yet another striking example of how the entire Bible points to and centers around Jesus. It amazes me how so many people can read the Word of God and still miss this truth. Let me close by making a few notable comparisons...

Joseph was despised and condemned by his own brothers.
Jesus was hated and rejected by His Jewish brethren.

Joseph's brothers plotted evil against him and intended to kill him.
The Jewish priests and religious authorities conspired against and sought to execute Jesus.

Joseph was seized, stripped, and cast into a pit where he was left to die.
Jesus was arrested, stripped, beaten, and crucified on a Roman cross.

After suffering there for some time, Joseph was lifted alive out of the pit.
After 3 days, Jesus miraculously rose from the dead and walked out of the grave.

Joseph was taken to the far-away country of Egypt.
Jesus ascended into Heaven, the glorious Kingdom of God.

Joseph’s brothers chose to hide their guilt from their father.
Many people today refuse to admit their sins and confess them to God.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22

Good morning. Today’s message covers 2 chapters, but I will put a greater emphasis on the first and just briefly touch on the second. Genesis 35 records a series of moves and other events that took place in Jacob’s life during the year or so after he and his family left Shechem. This was a difficult time for Jacob, as he would experience much loss. I’ve titled the sermon “Three Funerals”.

I. BETHEL (Genesis 35:1-15)

Following the tragic events that took place at Shechem, the LORD spoke to Jacob and commanded him to move to Bethel. Bethel was a special place to Jacob. It was where God had appeared to him many years earlier, when he fled from his brother Esau on the way to Paddan-Aram. Before leaving for Bethel, Jacob called his family to purify themselves. He gathered all of the foreign gods (ie, idols) and earrings of those in his household and left them behind under an oak in Shechem.

Though his murderous sons had greatly angered the Canaanites in the region, terror fell upon their cities and they didn’t pursue Jacob. After arriving safely at Bethel, Jacob built an altar and worshiped the LORD. God spoke to him there once again. He reiterated that Jacob’s new name was to be Israel. This change had originally been made following Jacob’s all-night wrestling match with God. He also reminded Jacob of the glorious promises of the Abrahamic Covenant that would be realized through him and his descendants.

While they were living at Bethel, Rebekah’s nurse Deborah died. Many Bible commentators suppose that Jacob’s mother Rebekah had sent her nurse Deborah to live with Jacob and his family. It seems likely that she had resided with them for several years, and perhaps even assisted in raising and teaching their children. In any case, she must have been very dear to Jacob and his household for her death to be mentioned. He named the place of her burial Allon-bacuth which means “oak of weeping”.

II. BETHLEHEM (Genesis 35:16-22)

After an unspecified period of time, Jacob departed from Bethel and traveled toward Ephrath (more commonly known as Bethlehem). Along the way, his pregnant wife Rachel suffered in severe labor and pain. As they drew near, she gave birth to a second son named Benjamin. However, it was a difficult delivery and Rachel died during childbirth. Heartbroken, Jacob buried her there and set up a pillar to mark the place of her grave. After mourning her death, he continued on beyond the Tower of Eder (near Bethlehem) and settled there.

For many centuries Rachel’s tomb lay on a deserted roadside. Her descendants would come to this lonely site to pray and remember. Today, because of population growth and expansion, Rachel’s burial site is actually located within Bethlehem’s city limits. It is considered a holy site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Rachel is revered for having a great sympathy and compassion for her children. The prophet Jeremiah described Rachel as “weeping for her children” in relation to the fall of Judah to the Babylonians (Jer. 31:15). In the New Testament, Matthew applied this prophecy to Herod’s slaughter of the young children in and around Bethlehem following the birth of Christ (Matt. 2:18).

While living near Bethlehem, Jacob’s oldest son Reuben slept with Bilhah, one of his concubines. She was Rachel’s maid and the mother of Dan and Naphtali. While this detail is not elaborated on in this passage, it will become important later in the story...   

III. HEBRON (Genesis 35:23-29)

Including Benjamin, who was substantially younger than his brothers, Jacob now had 12 sons. 11 were born in Paddan-Aram and 1 in Canaan. These men would become the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel. Unfortunately, Benjamin never knew his mother Rachel.

Jacob left Bethlehem and came to his father Isaac’s house in Hebron. It is uncertain if Rebekah was still alive at this point, as she is not mentioned and her death is not recorded anywhere in Scripture. Nevertheless, Isaac died at the age of 180. Interestingly, Issac was the only patriarch who never left Canaan and remained married to 1 woman his entire life. His twin sons Esau and Jacob buried their father in the Cave of Machpelah (Gen. 49:30-31). 

IV. ABOUT ESAU (Genesis 36)

Though he is not the main character, the patriarchal narrative pauses to devote an entire chapter to the life and posterity of Esau. Years earlier he had married 2 women from among the Canaaites and 1 of his uncle Ishmael’s daughters. Together these women bore Esau 5 sons - Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. Esau also acquired and possessed a significant amount of property, goods, and animals. He and his family moved away from Canaan and lived in the land of Seir. Over time this neighboring country would become known as Edom, a synonym for Esau.

Esau’s descendants were numerous and they became chiefs in the land. They, along with the sons of Seir the Horite, were leaders in the region for many generations. Eventually Edom developed into a prominent kingdom. Several kings reigned over Edom, centuries before the nation of Israel ever came into being. In fact, Moses sought the king’s permission to travel peacefully through Edom during the exodus (Num. 20:14-21). Unfortunately, the nation of Edom historically had a very adversarial relationship with Israel.

CONCLUSION

Within a relatively brief span of time, perhaps just a year or 2, Jacob lost his father Issac, the beloved wife Rachel, and a dear family friend Deborah. Each of these 3 special people were important to Jacob and had made a profound impression on his life. There is little doubt that their deaths, especially coming so close together, caused him tremendous sorrow and grief.

When Rebekah was chosen to be Isaac’s bride and brought to Canaan, her nurse Deborah accompanied her (Gen. 24:61). Deborah was Rebekah’s friend and servant. She likely assisted Rebekah in the upbringing of Jacob (and Esau). Years later, she actually dwelt with Jacob and his family and helped him with their children. Deborah had been a vital part of the family for 3 generations, providing care for Jacob’s mother, then him, and finally his kids.

Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life. He willingly served her father Laban for 14 years in order to pay her steep bridal payment. He showered her favored status, as demonstrated by placing her in the most protected position when Esau approached (Gen. 33:1-2). Rachel’s sons Joseph and Benjamin would become his father’s favorites, probably because they reminded Jacob of her. To this day, Rachel is held in high regard by the Jewish people.

Issac was Jacob’s father and role model. Though he had more in common with Esau, ultimately Issac recognized that Jacob was the chosen son through whom the people of God would rise. Therefore Issac blessed Jacob and took steps to ensure that he remained pure and set apart by marrying outside of the pagan Canaanite culture (Gen. 28:1-5). Issac’s faith in God was passed down to his son Jacob, the greatest inheritance that any father can leave.

I close today with this question… when you’re gone, how will you be remembered? Will the life you’ve lived and the legacy you’ve left point people to Christ or turn them away from Him?

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:17-18

On his way home from Paddan-Aram, Jacob had 3 separate encounters. First, he made a covenant with his uncle Laban (who had chased him down). Second, he wrestled with God all night long and survived. Third, he made amends with his older brother Esau. Following all of these occurrences, Jacob and his family finally arrived in Canaan.

The Bible doesn’t explicitly state how many years passed between Jacob’s departure from Haran and the disturbing events we’ll discuss today in Genesis 24. It is clear, however, that by this point Jacob’s children had grown into young adults. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that Jacob’s family lived in Succoth and then in Shechem for a combined period of at least 10-20 years (Genesis 33:17-20).  

This morning’s message is titled “Dinah Is Raped”. It is the 20th sermon of “The Chosen Church” series and it covers a pair of rather unsettling topics - sexual assault and homicide. It is my prayer that God will speak to us clearly and powerfully today as we touch on these troubling issues.

I. RAPE (v1-7)

Jacob and his family lived in Shechem. One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to see some of her friends. A young man named Shechem (not to be confused with the city’s name) saw her, abducted her, and raped her by force. He was strongly attracted to and infatuated by her beauty. To make matters more complicated, Shechem was the son of Hamor the Hivite - a prince in the land. In other words, this scandal involved a sexual assault perpetrated by a nobleman’s child. In the aftermath, Shechem pleaded with his father to acquire Dinah for him to be his wife.

Hamor went out to find Jacob, hoping to speak with him about the incident. Meanwhile, Jacob had already received the horrifying news that Shechem had defiled his daughter. Though it grieved him deeply, Jacob was able to maintain his composure. However, when Jacob’s sons - Dinah’s brothers - found out what happened they were furious.

Rape is an evil and detestable sin that has been victimizing both men and women since Old Testament times. According to estimates made by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, there were 734,630 people raped in the United States during 2018 (threatened, attempted, or completed). Nearly 1 in 5 women have been raped in their lifetimes (18%), most often by someone they know personally. Approximately 40% of victims are raped before reaching age 18, and 80% before age 25. We as Christians should pray for and support those who have been sexually assaulted and stand against a culture that permits and even glorifies this type of violent behavior.  

II. RESTITUTION (v8-18)

Hamor eventually found and conversed with Jacob and his sons. Hoping to make this problem go away, he and his son committed to give whatever was necessary as a bridal payment for Dinah. Furthermore, Hamor invited all of Jacob’s sons to intermarry with the Hivites so as to become one people. He expressed a desire to share the land and property, and to engage in trade and commerce with each other.

Apparently Jacob didn’t answer immediately, so his sons spoke up for him. They stated that it would be inappropriate and disgraceful to give their sister Dinah to someone who had not been circumcised as they were. They asked that all of the Hivite men be circumcised as a prerequisite condition before marrying any of the young women in Jacob’s camp - including Dinah. Hamor and Shechem believed this to be a reasonable request and agreed to the terms.

We should remember that Jacob and his sons were circumcised in accordance with the Abrahamic Covenant first established between God and their grandfather. They were a distinct and peculiar people, who were not supposed to intermingle with the Canaanite people or acclimate to their pagan culture. They were to be purposely different and set apart for the LORD. Sadly, I fear that in modern times God’s people (the church) have become so entangled with the world that it's often hard to tell the difference. 

III. RETALIATION (v19-31)

Hamor and his son Shechem came to the gates of the city and addressed all of the men gathered there. They told them about the agreement they had made with Jacob’ sons. They described Jacob’s people as friendly and emphasized the merits of joining with them through intermarriage and mutual cooperation. Everyone was convinced that this would be a good thing. Therefore, all of the Hivite men including Hamor and Shechem were circumcised.

On the third day after their circumcision, while they were still suffering from and physically incapacitated by the procedure, 2 of Jacob’s sons snuck into the city with swords and attacked the helpless men. One by one, Simeon and Levi killed every Hivite male who’d been circumcised. They murdered Hamor and Shechem, and took their sister Dinah back. Afterwards, Jacob’s sons looted the city and seized their animals, wealth, wives, and children.

Now Jacob was unaware that his sons had done this. When he found out what happened, he didn’t approve. Instead, he scolded his sons for their vengeful conduct. Jacob feared that the inhabitants of the land would retaliate against him because he had so ruthlessly slaughtered the citizens of the city. His sons vigorously defended their actions by arguing that Shechem couldn’t be allowed to get away with treating their sister Dinah like a harlot.

CONCLUSION

Jacob’s sons had every right to be angry with Shechem for sexually assaulting their sister. His behavior was vile, despicable, and completely unacceptable. He should have been held accountable and properly punished for his misconduct. But I ask you this… what did all of the other Hivites do wrong? What was their crime? Why did Jacob’s sons think it was appropriate or necessary to take their vengeance out on the entire city instead of just the individual responsible? Is it okay for us to condemn and/or perpetrate violence against an entire group of people based upon the actions of one person? Beloved, these questions are relevant to our nation today.

Furthermore, was it appropriate for Jacob’s sons to take matters into their own hands in the first place? Perhaps in ancient times, when there were no police officers or legal systems in place, such an approach was necessary. But as Christians today, what do we believe about vigilante justice? The Bible teaches us not to repay evil with evil or to seek revenge. Instead we are to trust that God will execute justice in His time and in His way (Deuteronomy 32:35). As we stand up and speak out against the sinful acts that permeate our culture, we must be careful not to digress into sinful behavior ourselves.

My friends, the story we’ve discussed this morning took place 3,000 years ago. Yet the issues it addresses and the questions it raises are still very relevant. The fact is - human nature hasn’t changed. Sexual immorality, vengeance, injustice, and the murder of innocents are still prominent in our world today. We are, on our own, an evil and depraved people. And the only true answer to these problems and the dark scourge of sin is Jesus Christ...

“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. - Acts 26:14-15

It had been 20 years since Jacob left Canaan, in part to find a wife but also to escape his brother’s wrath. At the time Esau wanted to kill Jacob for “stealing” his blessing. Rebekah urged her husband Isaac to send Jacob away to Haran primarily because she wanted to protect him from harm. Now, after all this time, Jacob was returning home. Would Esau be waiting for him? Would he still be angry?

They say that “time heals all wounds”. I’m not sure if that’s always true, as some pain never goes completely away. But time can make our hurts feel less tender. In this case, would Esau still be harboring a grudge? Had he forgiven Jacob for the sorrow he’d caused? Had Esau’s pain diminished or was it still fresh? In today’s sermon, we will discover what happened when Jacob and Esau were reunited after their long separation.

I. PREPARING TO MEET (Genesis 32:1-21)

Following his uncle Laban’s departure, Jacob camped near the Jabbok River. The Jabbok is a tributary located east of Canaan that follows into the Jordan River. He named the site Mehamaim because the angels of God met with him there. Apparently Jacob had learned where his brother Esau was living, and decided to take the first step by making an offering of peace. He dispatched messengers to go find Esau in the mountainous region of Seir and to seek his favor. When these messengers returned, they informed Jacob that Esau and 400 of his men were coming to meet him. Jacob feared the worst, and felt terribly afraid and deeply distressed.

Expecting his brother to be bitterly angry and possibly even hostile, Jacob took preemptive action. First, he separated his people and possessions into 2 companies. This would ensure that if one was attacked, the other would escape and survive. Second, Jacob prayed and asked the LORD to protect him and his family from Esau. Third, Jacob sent 3 droves of animals ahead as a gift in hopes of appeasing Esau’s anger. Esau would receive these generous presents 1 at a time in short succession before reaching Jacob’s camp, and perhaps his fury would be quelled.

Jacob had no way of knowing how his reunion with Esau would go. Perhaps everything would be fine, water under the bridge so to speak - but maybe not. That said, the day of their encounter was fast approaching. The Bible teaches us to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Though we trust in God for the victory, we should still ready ourselves for the battle (Proverbs 21:31). Jacob wisely took this approach as he prepared to meet his brother Esau.

II. WRESTLING WITH GOD (Genesis 32:22-32)

That night Jacob sent his wives, children, and possessions across the Jabbok River. Facing uncertainty and fear, he wanted some “alone time” on the opposite shore. A mysterious man appeared and wrestled with Jacob all night long. Some commentators believe that this man was an angel of God while others surmise that he was actually God in human form (perhaps a preincarnate appearance of Jesus). As daybreak approached, the divine man had not yet prevailed so he touched Jacob’s hip instantly causing it to become dislocated.

Though he was badly injured, Jacob still refused to let the man go without a blessing. Before he departed, the heavenly man gave Jacob a new name - Israel - because he had striven boldly with God and man. Israel means “one who contends with or struggles with God”. This would prove to be a fitting name for the nation that would arise from Jacob’s posterity as well. So Jacob named the place where he wrestled with the LORD Peniel, which means “face of God”, and it became known as Penuel. That morning as he crossed over the Jabbok to rejoin his family, Jacob walked with a limp that many believe persisted for the rest of his life.

This encounter with God forever changed Jacob’s life. His clash with the LORD that night is similar in some ways to Saul’s experience on the Damascus road. Just as Saul legally fought to oppress and imprison God’s people, so also Jacob physically fought against the LORD. Just as Saul’s name was changed to Paul, so also Jacob’s name became Israel. Just as Paul was left with an impairment that is believed to have resulted from his encounter (ie, poor eyesight), so also Jacob came away with a limp. These physical limitations were certainly burdens to both men, but also served as a constant reminder of God’s transformational power and grace.

III. REUNITING WITH ESAU (Genesis 33:1-20)

Not long thereafter, Jacob looked and saw Esau and his men coming in the distance. Still frightened, Jacob put the maids (Bilhah and Zilpah) and their children in the front, Leah and her children in the middle, and Rachel and Joseph in the back. Then he went on ahead of them all, bowing down 7 times as he approached Esau. To Jacob’s surprise, when they drew near to each other Esau ran to embrace him. It was a warm and joyful reunion. Relieved, Jacob introduced his family to Esau who was delighted to meet them. Esau told Jacob that all of the gifts he’d sent were appreciated but unnecessary, but Jacob insisted that he keep them.

Esau then invited Jacob to follow him to his home in Seir, but Jacob politely declined. He stated that he would come to visit Esau at a later time, but it is uncertain if he ever actually did (the Bible doesn’t say). Esau offered to leave some men with Jacob perhaps as a guard or a guide, and again Jacob kindly declined. So Esau and his men returned southward to the land of Seir, while Jacob and his family journeyed westward toward Succoth. From there he crossed the Jordan River into Canaan and came to the city of Shechem. Jacob purchased some property from the locals, built an altar, and settled there.

Finally Jacob was safely home again in the land of Canaan. His overbearing father-in-law Laban was no longer lording over him and his once estranged brother Esau didn’t want to kill him any more. Things were definitely looking up! God had kept the promises that He’d made many years earlier at Bethel to protect and bless Jacob (Genesis 28:10-22). The LORD’s covenant people would come from the line of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob.  

CONCLUSION

As we wrap-up today’s message, I want to apply Jacob’s experience to our lives in 2 ways.

First, if we are honest, most of us have spent a portion of our lives fighting with God - some more than others. Perhaps we’ve stubbornly doubted or even denied His existence. Maybe we’ve rebelliously refused to follow His commandments or do His will. We’ve foolishly rejected His love, compassion, and forgiveness. Why? Because we lack the humility to admit that He is greater than us and that we need Him. Beloved, we will never outsmart, outdo, or outlast God. And our pride will be our downfall...

Second, many people are afraid to come to the LORD because they expect Him to be angry. They look at the sins they’ve committed in the past and doubt that God could ever love or forgive them. As such, they spend their lives on the run, in a foreign country, and/or without any hope of restoration. But the truth is that God loves sinners, He misses those who have strayed, and He desperately wants to be reunited with them. Lost person, the LORD isn’t mad at you, so come and meet Him today!

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12

As today’s message begins, Jacob is still living in Haran and working for his uncle Laban. He is nearing the completion of his second set of 7-years service. He had committed himself to serve this period of time in exchange for Laban’s 2 daughters. Jacob has now been married to both Leah and Rachel for a little more than 5 years. While Rachel is barren, Leah has already given birth to 4 sons - Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.  

I. JACOB’S CHILDREN (Genesis 30:1-24)

Rachel knew that she was unable to bear children and had become increasingly jealous of her sister Leah. Desperate to have a child she could call her own, Rachel urged Jacob to sleep with her handmaiden Bilhah. Ultimately Bilhah bore Jacob 2 sons - Dan and Naphtali. Seeing this, Leah - who had temporarily stopped bearing - gave her handmaiden Zilpah to Jacob as well. She also bore 2 sons to Jacob - Gad and Asher. Thus, the competing sisters’ handmaidens actually birthed 4 of Jacob’s sons.

Leah had her eldest son Reuben gather some mandrakes from the field. Mandrakes are flowering plants that were used as a fertility drug in ancient times. Apparently, this strategy was effective because Leah became fruitful again and had 2 more sons - Issachar and Zebulun - and a daughter - Dinah. Rachel also partook of the mandrakes and God opened her womb. Rachel was finally able to give birth, and she had a son named Joseph. She longed to bear another.

It seems highly unlikely that all of these children could have been born in just 7 years. Scripture states that Jacob actually lived in Laban’s house for 20 years (Genesis 31:38,41). He stayed with his uncle for 6 additional years after completing his required 14 years of service. It’s also likely that some of these pregnancies overlapped one another. Thus, there was plenty of time for all of these children to be born while Jacob resided in Haran.

At this point Jacob had 11 sons and a daughter. His sons were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and Joseph. His daughter was named Dinah.   

II. THE FLOCKS INCREASE (Genesis 30:25-43)

During these same years, as his family was expanding and growing, Jacob was shepherding Laban’s flocks. After his son Joseph was born, Jacob seriously considered returning with his family to Canaan. Not wanting them to go, Laban offered to pay Jacob a generous wage. Jacob agreed to remain in Haran and tend Laban’s flocks on the condition that Laban would give him all of the multi-colored goats and black sheep. Because goats are usually solid in color and sheep are typically white, this seemed to be a good deal and Laban readily agreed.

In the years that followed, Jacob employed a primitive and somewhat mysterious method of selective breeding which caused the flocks to produce more and stronger multi-colored goats and black sheep. This resulted in fewer and weaker solid colored goats and white sheep. Thus, over time Jacob’s animals became stronger and more numerous than Laban’s. The approach that Jacob used, which involved peeled rods from poplar, almond, and plane trees, is still unclear to modern scientists. It was probably sheer superstition. The truth is that Jacob’s prosperity came as the result of God’s blessing - not a rudimentary form of artificial selection.

III. LEAVING FOR CANAAN (Genesis 31:1-21)

As time went by Jacob was becoming wealthier while Laban was becoming poorer. Tensions were increasing between the 2 of them and their servants. Some of them believed that Jacob had stolen Laban’s livestock and riches.One day, the LORD appeared and told Jacob that it was time to return to Canaan. Jacob sent for Leah and Rachel and explained to them how he’d been mistreated by their father for many years. He told them of a dream he’d had about the flocks and of God’s blessing to him through them. After listening to his speech, both sisters agreed to return with Jacob to his homeland.

So Jacob gathered his wives, children, servants, livestock, and all of his many possessions and departed. He did so secretly and abruptly, while his uncle and father-in-law Laban was away shearing his sheep. Unbeknownst to Jacob, Rachel took her father’s household idols with them. They journeyed southward, crossing the Euphrates River, bound for Canaan. 

IV. LABAN PURSUES (Genesis 31:22-42)

Three days later Laban received word that Jacob and his family had left, so he set out in pursuit. After a week of chasing, he overtook them in the hills of Gilead. That night the LORD spoke to Laban in a dream and warned him to treat Jacob well. When they met, Laban asked Jacob why he’d fled so suddenly without giving him a chance to say goodbye. He stated that if he’d known Jacob’s intentions, he would have thrown a nice going away party. Jacob knew this wasn’t true and explained that he’d left secretly because he feared that Laban would have tried to withhold his property and keep his wives had he been given advance notice.

Laban also asked why Jacob had stolen his household idols. Jacob had no idea that they’d been taken, and allowed Laban to search the camp for them. When Laban came into Rachel’s tent, she was sitting on the idols which she’d hidden in a camel’s saddle. She said that she was on her period, so Laban didn’t ask her to move and chose not to look in the saddle. Ultimately Laban’s search came up empty, and Jacob likely thought that he’d been falsely accused of stealing the idols. He was quite upset and contended angrily with Laban.

V. A COVENANT IS MADE (Genesis 31:43-55)

Although Laban still selfishly believed in his heart that Jacob’s wives, children, and flocks rightly belonged to him, he couldn’t shake God’s warning. Laban realized that the LORD was with Jacob, and that the best decision was to leave him be. So the 2 men made a covenant with one another. Jacob promised to lovingly care for and be faithful to Laban’s daughters. Furthermore, they agreed to live at peace and not fight with each other. They set up a heap and pillar, offered a sacrifice, and ate a meal to confirm the covenant. Early the next morning, Laban said his goodbyes and returned to Paddan-Aram empty-handed.

CONCLUSION

When Jacob left Canaan 2 decades earlier, he was single and mostly dependent on his parents. Now he was married, had several children, and owned large flocks of livestock. He was returning home a different man. During his 20 year absence, Jacob had worked hard to acquire his success and reach his goals. Though his boss, Laban, was dishonest and difficult to get along with at times, Jacob had remained dedicated to his service and didn’t quit. As such, God richly blessed Jacob’s efforts and allowed him to prosper.

This story is, in some ways, a metaphor for life. As Christians, we are pilgrims living in a foreign land. We began our journey with nothing. Throughout our lives worldly people will take advantage of us, exploit our efforts, and seek to take what we’ve earned. Still there is hope - God has not forgotten us. By living in faithful obedience to Him, we can find joy and success even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. Like Jacob, we can make the most of our circumstances. And one day when the LORD calls us home, we can go victoriously having lived a full and fruitful life.

“All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, ‘We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem.’” - Ruth 4:11

Good morning. Today we are in Genesis 29 which includes the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. The events described in this chapter cover a period of about 14 years, during which Jacob marries and starts his own family. It is a tale that includes attraction, love, and devoted service… not to mention an ironic twist. Open your Bibles and let’s begin.  

I. MEETING RACHEL (v1-12)

After encountering God at Bethel, Jacob continued northward through Canaan and finally crossed into the region of Paddan-Aram. He noticed a well surrounded by 3 flocks of sheep that were lying beside it in the field. Jacob approached the well and found that it was covered by a large stone. These 3 flocks were waiting on others that were coming, but had not yet arrived. When all of the sheep were gathered, the stone would be rolled away from the well’s opening, and they would all drink. Afterwards, the stone would be put back in place so as to protect and preserve the water source.

Jacob asked the shepherds that were already at the well where they were from. They answered, “Haran”. He then followed up by asking if they knew a man named Laban... and they did! The shepherds told him that Rachel, one of Laban’s daughters, would be arriving at the well shortly to water her father’s flocks. Jacob wanted them to go ahead and begin, but they explained that their custom was to wait until everyone had arrived.

About that time, Rachel came with her father’s sheep. Most likely trying to impress her, Jacob immediately and personally rolled the large stone away from the mouth of the well and watered her flocks. He greeted her with a kiss and explained who he was (her cousin) and why he’d come. Jacob cried out to the LORD, with weeping, because God had led him directly to his destination.      

II. SERVING LABAN (v13-20)

Rachel ran home to tell her father about Jacob’s arrival, and Laban excitedly hurried out to meet him. Laban warmly invited Jacob to stay with them in their home, and he readily agreed. Over time, they got to know one another. After a month had passed, Laban asked Jacob to work for him as a shepherd.

Now Laban had 2 daughters - Leah and Rachel. Leah, the older sister, was less attractive than her younger sibling Rachel. Jacob had fallen head-over-heels in love with Rachel, and agreed to serve Laban 7 years in exchange for her hand in marriage. So Jacob remained in Haran, working diligently for his uncle, and - from his perspective - the years passed by quickly.

Can we speak honestly? Men are attracted to beautiful women. To be fair, women are attracted to handsome men. This is a fact, whether we like it or not - physical appearance matters. It isn’t and shouldn’t be the main thing, but it is undeniably something. Physical attraction by itself can’t sustain a healthy marriage, but it can definitely destroy one. Spouses need to be aware of this. They shouldn’t just “let themselves go”, but rather should take reasonable steps to remain physically attractive to one another, as an act of love and a safeguard for their marriage.  

III. TRICKING JACOB (v21-30)

When the day of the long-anticipated marriage finally arrived, Laban held a grand marriage feast. Little did Jacob realize that his uncle had a devious scheme in mind. Many commentators believe that Jacob got excessively drunk during the party, perhaps at Laban’s prompting. When night fell, Laban brought his older daughter Leah to Jacob. Heavily inebriated, Jacob consummated the marriage by sleeping with her - all the while believing her to be Rachel. When he sobered up the next morning, he realized that he’d married the wrong sister!

In dismay, Jacob asked his uncle why he’d given Leah to him as his bride rather than Rachel. Laban explained that it was customary for the older sister to marry prior to the younger. Why hadn’t Laban mentioned this detail earlier? Taking advantage of the situation, Laban agreed to let Jacob marry Rachel also on the condition that he serve him for another 7 years. So after honoring his marriage week with Leah, Jacob then married his beloved Rachel. However, they couldn’t return immediately to Canaan because he’d committed to serve Laban 7 more years. As a wedding gift, Laban had given Leah a handmaiden named Zillpah and Rachel a handmaiden named Bilhah.

There is a principle in the Bible that goes like this… “you reap what you sow”. Some people call it karma. Jacob had a history of taking advantage of others through deception, trickery, and outright lying. He had fooled his brother Esau and his father Isaac on past occasions pertaining to the birthright and blessing. But now the tables had turned. Jacob had been tricked into marrying the wrong woman, and was now obligated to serve his uncle twice as long as he’d originally planned to. As they say, “What goes around comes around.”

IV. DISREGARDING LEAH (v31-35)

It was no secret - Jacob loved Rachel much more than Leah. Seeing this disparity, God made Leah fruitful while Rachel was barren. Thus, Rachel was like Rebekah and Sarah before her. Nevertheless, in the years that followed Leah bore 4 sons to her husband Jacob. With each of the first 3 births - Reuben, Simeon, and Levi - Leah hoped that Jacob’s love for her would increase, but it didn’t. By the time the 4th son was born - Judah - Leah had given up trying to win Jacob’s affection and instead chose to delight in her children.

While Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life, Leah was at least as important and arguably more important to both Jewish and Christian history than her younger sister. Leah’s son Judah would eventually become the father of the Judahites. Centuries later Joshua would give the tribe of Judah a large portion of the Promised Land. The land of Judah would eventually become the southern kingdom of Israel, and later the Roman province of Judea. It’s citizens became known as the Jews. Most significantly, Jesus Christ was born in the ancestral line of Judah. He was therefore a descendant of Leah, not of Rachel. What’s more, as we will see later in this series, Leah was buried with Jacob in the cave of the Patriarchs.

CONCLUSION

As the chapter comes to an end, Jacob is still living in Haran working for his uncle Laban. He had initially been sent there from Beersheba to find a bride among his relatives, to stay temporarily if necessary, and then to return home. But instead he found himself stuck in his mother’s homeland, bound by his own promise, while his aging parents Isaac and Rebekah remained waiting in Canaan.

In closing, I wish to make a parting observation. In the early part of the chapter, Jacob wanted to go ahead and water the flocks already at the well without waiting on the others. He was told that such an act would be a violation of their custom. Later in the chapter, Jacob wanted to marry Laban’s younger daughter Rachel first, but was forbidden from doing so. Again, he was told that this wasn’t customary. Twice Jacob sought to defy conventional methods.

In a similar way, Jesus had a knack for challenging the Jewish customs and traditions of His day. For this reason, some thought of Him as a revolutionary and felt needlessly threatened by His teachings. The religious elites had become so pious and rigid that they mistook their personal procedures and practices for God’s law. Jesus came to break through this legalism, orthodoxy, and religiosity, by showing us God’s unconditional, unfiltered mercy and grace.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” - 1 Timothy 2:5-6

This morning I’ll be preaching the 16th message of “The Chosen Church” series. When the service is finished today, we’ll be exactly halfway through our extensive study of the Jewish patriarchs. I trust that you have been strengthened and edified by these sermons so far, and I look forward to preaching the later half of this series in the weeks to come.

Last week Isaac and his family were pushed out of the valley of Gerar by the Philistines. They moved to Beersheba, situated along the southern boundary of Canaan. Isaac’s servants dug another water well and they continued with their farming. The events that take place in today’s message happened while they were living in Beersheba. We are going to cover 2 chapters this morning, so buckle up...    

I. DECEPTION (Gen. 27:1-29)

Isaac believed that his death was imminent, so he decided to go ahead and bless his eldest son Esau. The Bible reveals that Isaac didn’t actually die until after Jacob had returned from the land of Paddan-aram (Genesis 35:28-29) several decades later. Perhaps Isaac had become very sick, his eyesight had diminished greatly as a result, and he (and his family for that matter) truly thought that he was going to die. Thus he went forward with the blessing, only to later recover from his grave illness and live for many more years.

Isaac asked Esau to go hunting, to kill some savory game, and to prepare it for them to eat. Following the meal, Issac intended to give the blessing to his firstborn son Esau. Rebekah overheard their conversation and knew she must intervene. God had told her earlier that Jacob was to rule over Esau, not the other way around, and therefore Jacob needed to receive his father’s blessing (Genesis 25:23). So Rebekah devised a plan, and after Esau had left the house she sprung into action.

She quickly prepared a delicious meal, then disguised Jacob as his brother, and sent him in to his father pretending to be Esau. Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covered parts of his body with animal skins, hoping to fool her blinded husband Issac. Though Jacob usually gets the blame for this trickery and was responsible for going along with it, this whole episode was his mother Rebekah’s idea. In fact, Jacob was apprehensive and nervous about it because he didn’t want to get caught.

Having received some final instructions from Rebekah about what to say, Jacob tentatively approached his father Isaac posing as Esau. As they spoke, Isaac suspected that he was hearing Jacob’ voice. However, when he touched his skin and smelled his clothes, it seemed to be Esau. Finally Isaac asked directly, “Are you my son, Esau?” and Jacob outright lied by saying, “I am.” They then ate the food that had been prepared, and afterwards Isaac blessed Jacob, believing him to be Esau. 

II. DISAPPOINTMENT (Gen. 27:30-45)

Having received the blessing, Jacob departed just as Esau was returning from his hunt. Esau prepared the game he’d killed and brought it in to his father Isaac. When Esau arrived and began to speak, Isaac realized that he’d been deceived. He explained to Esau that he’d already mistakenly given the blessing to Jacob, and that it couldn’t be revoked. Esau was devastated and begged his father to bless him also. So Issac blessed Esau with a lesser blessing, but it didn’t soothe away Esau’s heartbreak and disappointment.  

Esau was furious. He vowed in his heart to kill Jacob for this treachery. That said, he didn’t want to do it while Isaac was still living. Believing that his father was near death, Esau decided to wait. In the meantime, Rebekah found out about Esau’s murderous plan. She urged Jacob to flee to her brother Laban’s house and stay there temporarily, until Esau’s anger subsided. Rebekah shrewdly approached her husband Issac and asked him to send Jacob away to find a bride from among their relatives, an endeavour which would serve 2 purposes - securing Jacob a proper marriage while also keeping him safe.

Although Rebekah and Jacob both acted deceptively, they were not the only ones at fault. Esau had traded away his birthright for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:27-34) and was, therefore, not entitled to receive the blessing of the firstborn. The birthright and the blessing went together. Esau knew this to be true, yet conveniently chose not to share it with his father. It was Esau, in fact, who was trying to steal the blessing that he’d foolishly ceded to Jacob. Esau had forfeited his claim to Isaac’s blessing. Yes, Jacob and his mother could have been more transparent and forthcoming with Isaac. Nevertheless, their actions brought about God’s will - Jacob was the son of promise.  

III. DEPARTURE (Gen. 28:1-9)

So Isaac sent Jacob away to Paddan-aram, the home of his maternal grandfather. He was instructed to marry one of his uncle Laban’s daughters. Before he left, Isaac again blessed Jacob. He conferred upon him the promises of the Abrahamic covenant, thereby formally designating him as the chosen son. Though Jacob had deceived him earlier, apparently Isaac now realized that this all had taken place in accordance with God’s plan. This time around he knowingly blessed Jacob, the younger son, without any reservation.   

Esau saw that his father Isaac had sent Jacob away to a distant place to take a wife from among their own relatives. Esau realized that his marriages to pagan Canaanite women were displeasing to his parents (Genesis 26:34-35). So Esau, perhaps trying to mimic his brother, went to his uncle Ishmael’s house and married his daughter Mahalath. Though he sought to emulate his brother Jacob, it was too late. His status in the family was already lost.

IV. DREAM (Gen. 28:10-22)

So Jacob left Beersheba and started northward toward Haran, the city of his mother Rebekah’s family. He stopped at a certain place along the way to spend the night and placed a stone under his head for a pillow. As he slept, Jacob had a dream about a ladder stretching from the earth all the way into Heaven. He saw angels climbing up and down this ladder. Then the LORD spoke to him and extended the 3 major promises of the Abrahamic covenant - to give Jacob and his descendants the land of Canaan, to multiply them innumerably, and to bless the entire world through them. God also pledged to protect and guide Jacob personally.

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he was completely blown away. According to the Biblical record, this was his first encounter with God. He set the stone up (that he’d used for a pillow) as a monument and poured oil on it. He named the place Bethel, which means “house of God”. Jacob vowed to faithfully follow and serve the LORD if He’d protect Him on his journey and bring him home safely. Jacob shouldn’t have placed conditions on his obedience like this, but he was still young and immature in his faith. Though his words were misguided, who among us has never sought to “make a deal” with God? Perhaps we should give him a break... 

CONCLUSION

As we wrap-up today’s sermon, let me focus our attention on Jacob’s dream about the ladder. Some translations call it a stairway. The image of “Jacob’s Ladder” or a “Stairway to Heaven” has been adopted and used in modern times. Most Bible scholars interpret the ladder metaphorically or symbolically. It represents the bridge or connection between God and man which makes a saving relationship possible. Ultimately this ladder is a picture of Jesus Christ, through whom God demonstrates His love for the world and through whom sinners have access to the Father. Hallelujah!