The Old Testament narrative contains a plethora of fascinating, if not magical, plots and characters.  For example, the story of the Patriarchs and their wives and how God works with and blesses them awakens the child-like imagination inside us all.  Abram is called by God to leave his home country and pack up and simply go to an unknown land where he will be blessed and become the father of a great nation—because he is a humble man willing to obey God’s voice.

He is visited by angels; he wondrously prospers and is carried so well by God’s grace.  Miracles of birth happen!  Beautiful maidens capture the eye of God’s chosen leaders, and these young women, like Rebekah (the wife of Issac), are good people, living virtuous lives who enable God’s people to multiply and prosper.  Twins are born to Isaac and Rebekah, one all hairy and red whose hand has a hold of his brother’s foot on their way out of the birth canal!  And Jacob, that rascal who stole the birthright of his brother Esau, once saw angels ascending and descending upon a ladder connecting Heaven and Earth!