Genesis 35:1-8 God uses the disasters at Shechem to move Jacob on to Bethel. Shechem was never intended to be a destination, only a portal to another place. What happens when we get stuck at Shechem, and why is it important that we move on to Bethel? How do we become like the world when we define our spirituality by how we are not like the world? What encouraging change do we see in Jacob in this part of his life? Do we really practice idolatry in our modern world, and if so, how? (57 min)

Keywords Jacob, Shechem, Idols, Bethel

Genesis 31:31-42 Jacob now answers Laban's charges as to why he slipped away unannounced and about the stolen idols. He invites Laban to search for his idols, which he does in a most thorough manner. What really is the point of this narrative? How must Jacob have felt in watching this intrusive search? What is so significant about what Rachel did in sitting on the idols? How did Jacob, in the heat of the moment manage to express his complaint in such an eloquent and poetic manner? What is the Fear of Isaac? How does Jacob's God compare with Laban's idols? (57 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Laban, Rachel, Idols