Genesis 28:1-22
When you finally leave your family, that first night out can be liberating, or filled with fear. For Jacob, it probably was a relief to get away from his brother’s anger.
It may have been relief mixed with fear. After all, he was going far away to where his mother’s family lived. He had never met any of them. And he didn’t have GPS. Jacob was sent off by his father, Isaac, to find a wife from Rebekah’s family.
That first night out, he lay down and used a rock for a pillow. Genesis 28:11
Jacob had a dream which came from God.
Jacob’s dream – Genesis 28:12-15
A ladder was set up on earth reaching to heaven, angels of God were ascending and descending on the ladder. Note: the angels were going up to heaven then coming down from heaven. The LORD stood at the top of the ladder, He identified Himself to Jacob. He promised to give the land on which Jacob was lying. He also promised Jacob would have many descendants and they would be blessed. He further promised Jacob that He would keep Jacob wherever he went and bring Jacob back to this land.
‘I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.’
Then Jacob woke up – he must have exclaimed, “The LORD is in this place.” And he was afraid – of God. Jacob believed that where he was – was the house of God and the gate of heaven. Genesis 28:16-17
The next morning, Jacob used the “pillow” rock, setting it up as a pillar and poured oil on it. He named that place Bethel.
Genesis 28:18-19
Jacob’s vow Genesis 28:20-21
If the LORD keeps me safe, and He gives me food to eat, and clothes to wear and brings me back here – then He will be my God.
Jacob put conditions on his relationship with God. Jacob’s vow depended on what God would do for him. Jacob had much to learn about God.
Jacob promised that the stone he set up as a pillar would be God’s house, and that he would give a tenth to God. Are you giving a tithe, a tenth of what you earn for God’s work?
This was Jacob’s first night out; running away from his brother’s anger and sent by Isaac to find a wife.
God’s Word ~ Alive!
Psalm 139:7-10
“Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.”
Jacob would find out the truth of God’s promises.
Are you finding out the truth of God’s promises?