Author name: Lloyd McDonald

In last week’s lesson we noticed a growing problem in Joseph’s family. As his father grew older, he became aware of the fact that none of his 10 sons could be trusted to manage the family business. And although they were not openly rebellious in his presence, outside the home they were wild and self […]

It’s strange how God always seemed to use adversity in Jacob’s life to bring him back to Himself. Maybe adversity isn’t as bad as we think. Jacob had spent about 20 years of his life working for Laban, and might have spent the rest of his life in Padan-aram accumulating wealth had not God sent

Although Jacob had returned to Canaan at the express command of the Lord, it almost seemed like he had jumped from the frying pan into the fire. And also the possibility of retreat had been effectively cut off by an angry uncle “–thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.” So

After an absence of 20 years, Jacob’s introduction to Canaan had been rather daunting. First of all, his uncle had pursued him over the border, and had it not been for God’s intervention, probably would have finished him off. Now he faced the prospect of a very angry brother whom he knew he had greatly wronged, a

Even though Laban had changed his bargain 10 times, God made sure that Jacob came out on top every time. Genesis 30:43 “And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.“ Under the new contract, he was making up for lost time, but Laban didn’t see it

Jacob had arrived in Haran with everything on his side. In spite of his schemes, he had left home in honour, his father’s blessing ringing in his ears, and being now the possessor of the Abrahamic Covenant. And if that were not enough, God had spoken to him in a dream, and assured him of His care. Genesis 28:15

It had been years since Laban heard from Rebekah.  Indeed, it almost seemed that he had never had a sister. Then one day his daughter burst through the door with the exciting news that Rebekah’s son was down at the well!  Genesis 29:13-14  “And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s

Fearing that her scheme would end in disaster, Rebekah resorted to deception once again. Genesis 27:46 “And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what

The moment Esau cried “Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison,” Isaac was shaken out of his spiritual lethargy. The lights came on, and he suddenly realized  that God had overruled him. To be sure, God had never sanctioned Rebekah’s little scheme, but the bottom line was, God’s blessing had been bestowed upon God’s man. You

Genesis 26 ended with good news and bad news. Jacob was back in Beersheba and enjoying fellowship with the Lord. However, his eldest son, Esau, had married two daughters of the land, “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Chapter 27 jumps ahead in time, and we