Friday, February 1: Genesis 28- A difference between God and man.

Jacob sets out on a journey during which he will not only find a wife but discover the Lord God personally.

Certainly Jacob knew of the Lord from his parents. I wonder how many times, for example, he heard the story of God providing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac. But there is a huge difference between knowing of the Lord through someone else, even one’s parents, and knowing the Lord personally yourself.

As Jacob sets out on this journey, possibly the first time he has truly been on his own, the Lord wastes no time revealing Himself to Jacob. As I read the account I noticed a significant difference between God and humans. Let me repeat the account, see if you see it.

There above it stood the LORD, and he said: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 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."

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." …

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth" (13-22)

Here’s what I noticed.God gives an unconditional promise. I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you …. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you … I will not leave you....

Jacob on the other hand conditions his promise to God. If God will be with me and will watch over me…

Too many times my promises to the Lord are also conditional. They are conditional in word, ‘God, if you do xyz, then I will do abc’. More often they are conditional because I don’t really follow through. But God’s Word is sure! It is certain. A promise given by God is a promise one can build a life upon.

Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, thank You for the surety of Your promises! Thank You for Your word. Thank You for never breaking Your word to me or to anyone else. Your word is Your bond! I praise You for this! I delight in You.

Lord, I confess my allegiance to You and I know also that without Your grace and strength, this promise is not worth the keystrokes it took to make. Only by Your might and power and strength and Spirit can I be a dedicated follower of You. Please send Your Spirit that I might follow You. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.