Broken Trust - Message

Today, we embark on a journey through the story arc of the Bible, focusing on the life of Jacob. Jacob's story is a complex one, filled with family drama that could rival any modern soap opera. He ends up with four wives and twelve sons, all of whom have their own conflicts. This summer, we will delve into the historical and cultural contexts of these biblical stories to better understand their significance.

The story of Jacob trying to marry Rachel but being tricked into marrying Leah instead is a prime example. This story seems strange to us today, but it was a part of the cultural norms of that time. Jacob's experience of being tricked by Laban, his father-in-law, mirrors the broader theme of broken trust. However, unlike human relationships that can be fraught with deceit, God's promises are steadfast and unchanging.

The patriarchal period, where our story is set, was defined by the oldest living male in the household. This head of the house made all the important decisions, from marriages to financial matters. Jacob's story takes place in this context, where family units were large and closely knit, often living in compounds. The head of the house had immense responsibility and authority, much like Laban did over Jacob.