A New Name

Over the last few weeks I've been suggesting that Jacob is not nearly the scalawag that most people think.

Jacob is far more honorable than most moderns give him credit for – but our text today makes it clear that all of Jacob's schemes and plans (even the honorable ones!) do not bring about the blessing of God.

And Jacob himself understands that apart from God's steadfast love and faithfulness he is only an unprofitable servant...