In eleven thought-provoking sermons based upon texts from Genesis and Exodus, Douglas Bailey highlights events from the lives of Jacob, his son Joseph, and Moses. But these messages are more than simple biblical exegesis -- drawing on insights from scholarly research, Bailey demonstrates that the spiritual struggles and faith of Jacob, Joseph, and Moses are very pertinent to vital issues we face in our lives today. For example, Jacob's "growing pains" make us wonder "What prizes are worth working for?" and "Why does God pick a fight with us and challenge us to a wrestling match?" Similarly, the story of Joseph leads us to ask why genuine forgiveness is truly painful. And sermons reviewing major episodes in the life of Moses raise such questions as "Can we really trust God to come through when the chips are down?" and "Can an affluent society ever accept God's limited offer of one day's blessings -- one day at a time?" Bailey mines the texts for answers to these timely questions, proving that the ancient texts are still very relevant.

An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Douglas B. Bailey is a graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A.), Yale Divinity School (B.D., S.T.M.), and the University of Wisconsin (Ph.D.). In addition to serving pastorates in Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin, Bailey spent over twenty years in administration for Franklin County Children's Services in Columbus, Ohio. Bailey contributed to the 1998 Daily Book of Prayer published by United Church Press, and continues to serve as a supply pastor for vacationing clergy. He is also an active member of the United Christian Center ecumenical campus ministry board at Ohio State University.