INTRODUCTION Today we conclude our study of the book of beginnings. Throughout the book, we have seen God weaving together this teaching about who he is. Genesis is like a tapestry that is slowly stitched together. From the backside of the tapestry, it looks to us like a tangled mess. It’s hard to make out what the picture is supposed to be. We recognize that it is a portrait but of who? It is hard to see from this side. It is only from flipping the tapestry over and looking at it from the other side will we recognize that each of those strings has come together to form a picture of Jesus. Each story in Genesis is a string and each adds to the picture. But when we look at the tapestry of the Old Testament from the side of the New Testament, we see more fully what the stories really mean. “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 “For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:8-13. So let us see how Jesus was the confirmation of the promises to the patriarchs and the rejoicing of the nations.