Slideshow image

In today’s reading—Genesis 35–37—we see God’s covenant with Abraham continue through Jacob. God’s sovereign plan is taking shape. In these chapters, God reaffirms His covenant to Abraham in Jacob,

And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. (Genesis 35:11–15)

These verses confirm that Jacob is the next in line for God’s promise to Abraham and Isaac, ensuring that God’s promise continues.

We see God’s continued control in His plan when Esau separates from his brother Jacob, just as Ishmael separated from Isaac. It’s interesting how the events of the patriarchs unfold with similar patterns (e.g., Abraham and Isaac claiming their wives are their sisters, or Sarah and Abraham trying to “fix” God’s promise of descendants through Hagar, and Rebekah and Jacob trying to “fix” God’s promise of favor through deception). The consequences of sin are experienced before faith is strengthened and blessings flow.

This repetition highlights an important truth: God’s plans move forward according to His design and control, not human efforts or machinations.

The soap opera-ish drama of jealousy and evil is seen again in the ten sons of Jacob plotting against Joseph. This sets the stage for Israel’s 400 years in Egypt—an essential part of God’s redemptive plan.

Though Joseph’s betrayal was a sinful act, God used the brother’s sin to fulfill what He had Abraham two generations before:

Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.” (Genesis 15:13)

Long before Joseph was sold into slavery, God had declared that Abraham’s descendants would go through a period of slavery before being delivered. Joseph’s story is the beginning of that prophecy being fulfilled.

We don’t always understand the full picture of God’s plans (remember Job?), but we can always trust that God is always at work—even through trials, separations, and hardships. It reminds me of a verse that many have chosen for their life verse,

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Even when life seems chaotic, God’s sovereign hand guides His people toward His greater purposes. Today’s takeaway? Trust His plan, even when you can’t see it.