February 3, 2022 - Genesis 35-37

New beginnings are very special times in our lives. Whether it is a new job, a new home, or a new child, they all can bring excitement and anticipation. It is a fact of life that a loss can lead to a new beginning.

Jacob is beginning a new phase of life as he obeys God and returns to his homeland. These chapters tell us of both joy and sorrow as birth and death is included in the storyline. The birth of Benjamin, the deaths of Rebekah's maid, Deborah, Rachel, and Isaac all reveal the shifting of events and emotions that struck this family.

Jacob and Esau both had twelve sons, and all are mentioned as important leaders of their respective families. Esau's family is highlighted here but is not prominently mentioned again. Esau and Jacob's families and possessions have increased to the point of causing them to separate and settle in different regions.

Jacob was not exempt from the reality of life situations. He experienced sickness, conflict, separation, and death. We also are not exempt from life's joys and losses. When joys are experienced, may we rejoice and give thanks. Also, as afflictions strike, let us trust God for strength and wisdom. Like Job may we learn the secret of trust in loss, "...The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21).