We have been navigating our way through the life of Jacob over the past few weeks. Before his birth, his mother was informed by God who Jacob would be. “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” Jacob would receive from the hand of God blessing. This was a promise made by God. Like his father before him, Jacob would receive the promises and the blessings not because of who he was or because of his own works. These divine privileges would come to him because of God’s own will and plan. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. Jacob’s father was told flat out that he received because of the faith of Abraham. Jacob would be the recipient of God’s invading grace. Before Jacob was born we are told that he would receive more than what he deserved. As the second-born, he would not be entitled to the birthright or the blessings. As the second, his rightful place was to be subservient to his older brother. That is the natural order. That is the cultural expectation. The double portion should go to Esau. But God often does not conform to our expectations and will often challenge those expectations head-on. Jacob has lived up to his name. He took advantage of his brother’s weakness and convinced him to trade his birthright for a bowl of stew. He was willing to let his mother take a curse for him. He masqueraded as Esau to try and trick his father. He told bald-faced lies to his father. When asked directly if he was Esau he said, “I am.” His treachery would drive his brother to thoughts of murder. And now he is fleeing his home and leaving behind all that he had gained from his lies. What thoughts go through the mind of Jacob as he travels across the land of Canaan? Is he afraid? Is he angry? Does he doubt the promises of God are true? Is he thinking of God at all? The story before us is the beginning of Jacob’s journey in faith and it is quite the beginning. In the 10-12, we find the setting. Where is Jacob and what does he see? In the next section of the story, we hear God speak a message to Jacob that he needs to hear. And finally, we will see Jacob’s response to this momentous occasion.