The second half of Genesis tells the colourful life story of Jacob. Jacob’s name means ‘deceiver’ and he lives up to his name. He is determined to be in control of his own life and so he lies, schemes and manipulates those around him to get his own way. He deceives his father, steals from his brother, betrays his uncle, neglects his family, and even wrestles with God.
 
However, Jacob discovers that behind his struggle for control stands a sovereign God, who is faithfully working out his plans and purposes. One of the most frequent descriptions God uses of himself in the Bible is ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’. Despite the mess Jacob makes of his life, God never gives up on him but patiently teaches him to relinquish control of his life. Jacob’s story points us to a God we can trust, who has shown his sovereign grace to us in Jesus.