Genesis 28 -- A Sudden Life Change For Jacob

Life really changed for Jacob.  He’d always stayed at home and had a special link with his mother, but now the threat of retaliation from Esau would disrupt his world.  His mother used finding a wife for him as an excuse to hopefully save his life.  She likely hoped that a few months would pass, the whole thing would blow over, and Jacob would return to her with grandkids soon to follow, but Rebekah never saw him again.  when he returned some twenty years later, she would be dead.

Whereas Abraham had sent a caravan with his servant to find a bride for Isaac, Jacob seemed to be traveling alone, and one night he warily laid down on the ground, with a rock for a pillow, and dreamed.  God was revealing Himself to him in that dream, and when Jacob awoke, he remembered all that God had promised him:  that He was the God of Jacob’s grandfather and father; that He was giving Jacob the land where he slept – he wouldn’t be just passing through it; that this single guy WOULD have a wife and many sons and many grandkids; that everyone on earth would be blessed because of it; and perhaps what he really needed to hear on this very scary journey alone into an unknown land and future – that God was going with him, would protect him, and would bring him back home, never leaving him until every promise was fulfilled.

Jacob finally realized that God was present in his life, but he never knew it!  And hearing those promises, Jacob accepted them and agreed that God would be his God.  And he worshiped him there.

Father, I remember my own encounter with You, when I’d stepped so very far away, yet You kept after me and drew me back with Your love.  You’ve blessed me and I trust You to direct my life.  Before, I was afraid that You would take me where I didn’t want to go, but now I know that You change my heart so that by the time I am there, I am exactly where I want to be – with You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford