4. Old Testament Walkers and Talkers

vi. Jacob

Thinking

The scriptures record several occasions when God spoke to Jacob. The first was in the vision that we know as "Jacob's Ladder" (Genesis 28: 13-15). The Lord spoke to him and reaffirmed the promises that he had made to Abraham and Isaac. We need to note that it was God who initiated the conversation. In a second vision at Mahanaim, the angels met Jacob (Genesis 32: 2). The words of the conversation are not recorded, but clearly his faith was strengthened. Soon after, he prayed to God for deliverance as he traveled on to meet his brother Esau.

Another occasion God spoke to Jacob is reported in Genesis 35: 1. Jacob was told to go and make an altar at Bethel. This instruction seems very significant because it teaches that worship on God's terms is necessary before we can have a two-way conversation with God. Then followed the occasion when God appeared to Jacob, blessed him, and talked with him. The promise to Abraham was repeated, and Jacob's name was changed to Israel. The scriptures record that the Lord went up from him after he had talked with him (Genesis 35: 9-13). Jacob then decided that this must be a holy place, so he set up a pillar of stone and poured out an offering. He called the place where God spoke to him Bethel.

Praying

There seem to be lots of thoughts here, Lord, but my mind is being drawn to how Jacob found the place of meeting with you to be a holy place. Perhaps this is something that I should cultivate. The easy and traditional answer is to think of church or chapel as a holy place - where I meet you. However, I recall your words to Joshua, "I will not fail you or forsake you," (Joshua 1: 5) and those of Jesus "I am with you always" (Matthew 28: 20). Therefore, any place where I become aware of your presence is holy. I hadn't thought about it in this way before, but perhaps I need to think of my office, my desk, and this PC keyboard, on which I am typing, as holy.

Thinking

Other races have developed this idea in their own religious practices. Things and places were sacred, taboo, or tapu, because they were associated with meeting their god or gods. Parts of the Christian Church do this better than I do and there are things that we need to pick up again. I should also remember that my bible is called the Holy Bible. It is a place where I meet my God and hear his voice to me today.

Praying

Lord, I thank you today for this example of Jacob. Let me keep it in balance, but anything that reminds me of your presence is likely to be good for my soul.

Thinking

Towards the end of his life, one further instance is recorded where Jacob repeated to Joseph the conversation he had had with God at Luz (Genesis 48: 3-4). It must have been a very precious time for him to share this with his son.

Praying

Lord, I need to respond to this with sensitivity because some people don't have a parent or a child with whom they are able to share deep matters of faith. For me it is a privilege to share and to receive, and I thank you for this blessing. However the word that comes to me just now, is the way that I have many brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and sons and daughters in your family. It is precious for us to be able to share your words with each other. I bless you and thank you for words that have been given to me by many of them, and ask that you will help me to recognise the opportunity to share your word in the same way.

Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved.

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