A Precarious Position (Community Bible Project)
When the rescuers themselves are in need of rescue, we know we are in are in a precarious position. That is exactly what we see as the Genesis account unfolds. If you are joining us in our Community Bible Project , you are no doubt feeling a bit confused and dismayed by these so-called “fathers” of our faith: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. After all, didn’t Abraham give his wife away – twice! – in order to save his own skin (chs. 12 and 20)? And didn’t he have a baby with his slave (at his wife’s request) in order to “help” God fulfill his promise (ch. 16)? What is more, Isaac following in his father’s footsteps, pawned off his wife for his own protection (ch. 26). And Jacob, whose story you read today (ch. 27) has just stolen his brother’s blessing, fulfilling his name: “Cheater/Deceiver.” The story does not get any better, as seasoned Bible readers will know. There is everything from cheating, lying, hatred, murder, adultery and incest in the holy family tree. What are we to ...