Scripture
And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. Genesis 28:11
Observation
As this account begins…Jacob is alone. Apparently no one is with him. Where is his family? Where are his servants? Where are the donkeys? That’s what happens when you run…you are alone.
Jacob is on the run from his broken relationships- His father must be angry and disappointed at being deceived- His mother must be worried about his safety and security- His brother wants him dead.How ironic…he got everything he wanted…the firstborn’s inheritance and the family blessing – but he can’t go home to claim it or fulfill it.He stops for the night, and the only comfort he can find is a rock for a pillow. Jacob is out in the middle of nowhere, unsure of how anything he’s ever wanted to come true in his future will ever happen. He’s had all these dreams and passions, all this ambition and zeal – and now, he’s on the run with only his questions, his worries, his doubt and his despair to comfort him.
He lays down his head, closes his eyes, and as best as we can tell, God speaks to him for the first time in his life.
Application
How many time have I found myself right where Jacob is. Alone, scared, unsure of the future and not very proud of the past.
It is in times like this…when we come to our “certain place”…that God comes to us. When I am at rock bottom…I always find God. He is there to remind me—
--I am not alone
--He will keep His promises
--He will guide me and protect me
And most importantly…He will never give up on me.
Prayer
Lord, thank you I can never run so far that you are not there. There are many times in life when I make a mess of things. When all other relationships are broken, I am thankful when I need you most, you are there.
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2 comments:
I wonder how many times Jacob's mother told her son's the story of the angel's visit telling them that the first born would serve the younger? I wonder why Isaac didn't beleive the angel's story? I wonder how GOD would have fullfilled HIS plan if the participants had waited for HIM to act? I wonder if Esau might have been saved if his mother and his brother had waited for GOD to do HIS thing?
Lord teach me to be patient I am so often hurrying ahead to make sure what I beleive to be right is accomplished. Slow me down in my quiet time so that I can see you part the seas in my life and close the lions mouths.
You know, I've read this story many times, but it never occurred to me that Jacob had all he wanted but couldn't go home to claim or fulfill the inheritance or family blessing. Very ironic, as you say. It's a very good point. Thanks
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