Jacob running

Scripture Reading: Genesis 27:42-28:20  

Key Verse: When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it (Genesis 28:16)  

Meditation: Rebekah told Jacob to run for his life to her brother Laban's place. She knew Esau wild plan to destroy Jacob for his deception. Not only would Jacob leave home and father, but also his mother whom he never saw again. hr plan to get the blessing for her favorite son deprived her of that son in the end.

 God gave the mercy and grace that Jacob needed so desperately. He certainly did not deserve to be rescued or blessed in this enormously defiant, deceptive style of life that he chose. Nevertheless, God planned to fulfill His pattern for the family of Abraham. He would use Jacob as The blessing had promised.

For the first time Jacob recognized the God of Abraham and Isaac. When God revealed Himself above the ladder that connected heaven and earth, Jacob responded to the revelation. He filled with wonder, took his pillow stone and made a memorial calling the place Bethal. 

Jacob had left the protection of his parents, but now, he was under the direction of a father who would guide him the rest of his life. Jacob even promised to give God a portion of all that was provided him. Ever the negotiator, he made a case for receiving God's care.  

Thought for the Day: No matter how much God reveals himself to us we do not want to become become "good" by ourselves, or our negotiation. The grace that covers us comes only from God in His mercy.