Grace Grace
Scripture Reading: Genesis 28:10-22; Genesis 28:15 (SOAP)
What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15
Observation:
“Meanwhile Jacob left Beer Sheba and set out for Haran.” Isn’t it always in the “meanwhiles” of our lives that hope is most appreciated? Such is the case here with Jacob. Such a beautiful story of God introducing Himself to Jacob in a dream. God confirmed with Jacob the very thing His father had prayed over him would come to pass. The descendants and the lands and even more than Isaac asked or imagined … Jacob and his descendants would be the conduits of the blessings to all the families of the earth. God promised His presence and protection and to never leave him until all the promises had been fulfilled.
The beauty of the story doesn’t end with the promise of blessings that God speaks to Jacob but it culminates with Jacob’s response of worship and commitment to God.
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Genesis 28:18-22 ESV
Application: How Then Should We Live?
While we may not trick a family member out of their ‘birthright or deceive an aging father into thinking we are the one who rightfully deserves his blessing, or encounter God in a dream like Jacob did. We would be wise to listen and look for the daily blessings He lavishes on us that reveal His grace, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, just like it did Jacob’s. When we see this clearly like Jacob did we will be much more likely to respond like he did – with worship of and commitment to God.
Prayer: Response to God’s Word
Thank you for words of hope God. Whether we are fleeing for protection from danger or looking to find a mate – a job – or something else – These words fill us with HOPE that reminds us You are there – in control. You are with us and in Your goodness, You go ahead of us, and You are faithful to Your promises! – To Your name be all glory and praise – Amen!
Your Turn:
- What’s your take away from today’s reading?
- How do you respond when God intervenes in your life?
- Are you led to worship like Jacob was, or do you tend to explain His work as mere coincidence?
Want More?
Worship Him with a hymn acknowledging His grace