As Jacob would set out upon the journey of his

life, he could not have possibly conceived of the experiences that

God would have for him or the manner in which God would transform

him. However, Isaac would pass along to him the defining marker of

his life, “the blessing Abraham.” The promised redemption that

would come through Jacob’s family line would eventually result in

the coming of Jesus Christ. And as Paul would explain to the

Corinthians, it is this Gospel that must be the defining marker of

God’s people and His Church in every age.