In our recent gathering, we began with a heartfelt prayer and song, followed by a moment of silence to honor our brother Danny, who recently lost his son. Danny expressed his gratitude for the prayers and support that have been a source of strength for him and his family during this difficult time.

Our focus today was on Genesis 35 and 36, where we explored Jacob’s journey back to Bethel, a place of significant spiritual encounters. Jacob, now named Israel, built an altar at Bethel to commemorate God’s protection and blessings. This chapter also highlighted the death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, and the significance of her burial place, Allonbachuth, meaning “the oak of weeping.”

We delved into the profound moment when God appeared to Jacob, reaffirming the Abrahamic blessing and changing his name to Israel. This encounter emphasized the importance of God’s promises and the lineage that would come from Jacob, including nations and kings.

As we moved through the text, we touched on the birth of Benjamin and the sorrowful passing of Rachel, who named her son Benoni, meaning “son of my sorrow,” before Jacob renamed him Benjamin, “son of my right hand.” This narrative set the stage for the introduction of Joseph, whose story is filled with dreams and familial tensions.

We concluded with a preview of Joseph’s early life, his dreams, and the envy they sparked among his brothers, leading to his eventual sale into slavery in Egypt. As we wrapped up, we held in our prayers those facing trials, including David and Eric, and reflected on the importance of humility and contrition in a world that often celebrates pride.