Read Genesis 28.
As the heir, Jacob received the blessing of his father Isaac. Isaac repeated the promise God made to Abraham. That unconditional covenant included innumerable descendants, the land, and that "in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (12:3). Jacob was ordered to go to his great-uncle's family to seek a wife.
Away from home and family, in a strange place, after dark, he
slept. Here God revealed Himself
personally to Jacob in a dream. It is the first
account where faith in God became personal to Jacob. The LORD Himself passed on the Abrahamic Covenant directly
to Jacob and his descendants.
When Jacob awoke, it was more than rising out of physical
sleep. He woke up spiritually! "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I
did not know it." This recognition
is one of the benchmarks of a true relationship with God. God is omnipresent. Jacob was away from home, but not away from
God. When one fails to acknowledge and
respect God's presence sin will soon follow.
Jacob had at least three responses to this encounter with
the LORD.
1. He worshipped. He
even marked the spot and created a memory where God changed his life. "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God" (Bethel). (v.17)
2. He declared his faith in a vow.
3. He committed to give a tenth of all his increase. Remember, this statement had nothing to do
with keeping the law. The law will not be given for a few hundred years after this.
I often think back of the dark bedroom at 820 Hartview Avenue where recognized His
presence and I knelt to give myself to Jesus.
I remember openly declaring my faith in a baptism service at Calvary Baptist Church
No comments:
Post a Comment