We're at the beginning of a new school year. And here, at the beginning, I plan to preach a series of sermons from Genesis, the first Bible book, whose title means "the beginning." Such a series is risky at the beginning. For one thing, if you don't like the first sermon in the series, will you return for more?

When I was a child, our preacher announced a series of sermons on The Lord's Prayer. First week his text was "Our." Next week it was "Father." Then "Who Art." On and on. By the fifteenth sermon in the series, a memorable exposition of "Us Not," the congregation had dwindled so that he was forced to abandon the project and begin a series on the Nicene Creed!

For another thing, I plan to introduce you to the story of Jacob, father of Israel. And it is not a pretty story I have to te…