COMMENTARY

Old Testament: Genesis 28:10-19a
Jacob dreams of a ladder extending to heaven and has an experience with Yahweh. Jacob steals his father's blessing from Esau. When their mother hears of Esau's plan to kill Jacob as soon as Isaac dies, she advises Jacob to flee to her brother, Laban. Jacob flees and on his way to Laban, when night comes, he lies down to sleep, using a stone for a pillow. He experiences forsakenness - alone, estranged from his family, in a strange land, and his future uncertain. In this extremity, God comes and promises to protect and prosper him. Jacob awakens with amazement that God is with and for him.

Epistle: Romans 8:12-25
Both creation and creatures groan for redemption. Paul sees redemption in its cosmic perspective. With Adam the whole creation fell and…