First Presbyterian Church

Often we define ourselves by how family members or others see us, or childhood nicknames that have somehow stuck. But God has His own view of us, which God expresses through these names. As you read the list, stop with the one that resonates with you. Write it down and refer to it each day, letting it encourage you. Talk to God about it in prayer. Ask God to help you live into it and begin to see yourself in that light.

• My chosen, in whom my soul delights
• Man of faith
• Person of knowledge
• Honored one
• My treasured possession
• Courageous
• My daughter; my son
• Seeker of God
• Conqueror of giants
• Precious in my sight
• Called out ones
• My witness
• Ones who will inherit land
• I know you by name, you are mine says the Lord

Do you think God prepares certain people for certain calls from birth? Jeremiah said the word of the Lord came to him with the news, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jere 1:4-5). Yet most people do not have the sense of being called in that way, nor an understanding of exactly what their purpose might be. Often it is only in looking back after many years that the story takes shape. This week we will look at the story of Jacob and his family. God had set Israel apart as God’s own people to bless the nations. But how would God do it? And how would these people know what they were supposed to do for God?

Genesis 37 begins, “This is the story of the family of Jacob.” It is an important story, even pivotal, as he was the patriarch from whom the twelve tribes were established. We know so many stories about him − Jacob and Rebekah’s deceit of his father Isaac; and Jacob’s alienation and later reconciliation with Esau and Laban. We also remember Jacob’s ladder and his wrestling with the angel of the Lord one night. A man of visions and dreams himself, his son Joseph seems to follow in his footsteps. The story is peppered with many ups and downs, making it very relevant.

Joseph had a large role in the formation of Israel, but what a rough start for him! Was that part of the plan, or did he have to be tempered for the task first? We will explore his story over the next three weeks, beginning with Genesis 37:1-11. For those of you who are ambitious, you might want to prepare by reading all of chapter 37. Then, consider reading through Genesis 47 over the next two weeks. You won’t be disappointed. The story is fascinating. As you read this week’s passage, here are some questions to ponder:

• Think about the dynamics of Jacob’s family. What tensions did you see? Think about your own family. What are the tensions you have experienced and how do they affect the family system?
• Notice the pluses in Jacob’s family. How did these redeem the situation? What are the pluses in your family?
• God is not mentioned in Gen 37. How do you see God’s role here?

Sermon: Genesis 37 - A Family Story