December 6: A Ladder for Jacob

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15  (Full context: Genesis 28:10-22)

I’ve heard the story of Jacob’s Ladder since I was a child, even singing about it in Bible School.  But as I read it this time, the Lord focused my attention on Jacob and not the ladder.  He had been sent away from his home, his family, his friends, to a new land in search of a bride.

It was a barren desert, dark and unfriendly—and a stone for a pillow—little comfort there.  He was most likely lonely, afraid, and unsure of his future.  He knew of the God of Abraham and Isaac, and had heard of the marvelous things God had done for the people of Israel—but nowhere do we find that God was the God of Jacob.  Jacob had evidently not yet had a personal experience with God—he had not yet made God his God.  But that was about to change—God got his attention with the ladder, and then reassured Jacob of the continuance of Abraham’s covenant.  But more importantly, He assured Jacob “I AM with you and will keep you wherever you go….I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”  God reminds Jacob of His love and care for Jacob personally—a love and care that is not only personal but eternal.

Are you with Jacob in the desert feeling alone—with no one to help you face the future?  Are you with Jacob in the desert—you know God personally but He seems so far away?  Your fellowship with Him has been broken.  Or are you in the desert with Jacob after he meets his God? Rejoicing because of His love and care.

Wherever you are in the desert with Jacob—make this Christmas season special by letting God meet you where you are.  He will be with you daily, personally and eternally.

~Betty Davis

Ornament Credit: Beki Eikum