Jacob

Impossible Mountains

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And he dreamed and behold there was a ladder set up on the earth and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12 ESV

If you or a loved one have been living in long term care throughout this pandemic it might seem like a long climb up some impossible mountains from in front of you today to get back to normal. Today let’s look at someone in the Bible who also had a long way to climb. Jacob had lied to his father, tricked his bother into giving up his inheritance and was in the process of running for his life. The first night of his journey Jacob found himself out in the wilderness, without even a tent for shelter. He was so tired that he lay down with his head on a rock and fell fast asleep. That night God sent Jacob an intriguing dream. In spite of being totally undeserving of mercy God chose to show Himself to Jacob standing at the top of a staircase or a ladder to Heaven. I always thought this was a pretty neat story but never got the part about what it had to do with me.

Did you know that the Bible is just like Jacob’s ladder? It is an amazing book! First it reaches from Heaven all the way to earth. It is the only thing we can hold in our hands and know that it came from God. Second, just like the ladder in Jacob’s dream, God is standing at the top of it telling us of His loving plan for our lives. Like Jacob, even when it seems as if we are left alone God comes and reminds us that He is with us. Last of all our ladder is filled with angels. Some are climbing up carrying our prayers to God and others are coming down with God’s answers when we are in trouble. Most of all we have the Bible; which is God’s message that we can trust Him with our lives. It reminds us that there is nowhere we can go that His grace towards us through Jesus Christ cannot reach and that H e will help us to climb impossible mountains- even in long term care!

Reconciled

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But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. Genesis 33:4

You might have heard the question about what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Let me say that for those of us who have raised boys – we know that answer!. We who have pleaded or even demanded our sons to: “Just be nice to each other!” or asked; “Can’t you two get along for five minutes?”

A Rare and peaceful monet

this scene of reconciliation between Jacob and his brother Esau is a greater miracle than even walking on water. These guys had lied, cheated, and tricked one another and in Esau’s case even plotted the murder of his brother. Our son’s battles evidenced by assorted holes in walls, a broken door and angry accusations flying across our home seem mild by comparison. But we have also been blessed to live long enough to see these same guys giving each other cars; sharing their homes when divorce came knocking on the door and most importantly learning to listen to one another.

In light of the current chaos in America today we can draw hope from the reconciliation of these radically different brothers. It took a crisis to force them to finally focus; not on what separated them but on remembering that they were family. As family God is calling for us to meet together for embracing not injuring; weeping not shouting and forgiving as God has freely forgiven anyone who kneels where the ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Who is He to you?

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They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”  Mark 4:41 NIV

“Who is this?” Peter, Andrew, John and James asked. Even though they had watched water turned to wine, the blind made to see, and bread multiplied. As the wind and waves became a great calm they suddenly realized that they really didn’t know who Jesus was at all.

grayscale photo of body of waves

Photo by Matt Hardy on Pexels.com

Some others also asked His name like.  Jacob who was met one night by a stranger that wrestled with him till morning. Somewhere in those weary hours Jacob began to realize that the one who struggled with him was God’s angel; so he asked, “ “What is your name?” But  the one he thought an angel answered, “Why do you ask my name?” and then He blessed Jacob and then changed Jacob’s name to Israel.

Moses at the burning bush; when he was called also asked, “When the people ask what is your name what shall I tell them?” and God answered him saying; “I am that I am! Tell them that I am sent you!”

Our God showed himself as Shepherd; to David and as wisdom to Solomon. He was the one who walks through fire with Daniel’s friends and as the coming Messiah to Isaiah.  But does it really matter who He He was in their lives? Who is He in yours? Is He just the storm calmer or the worker of miracles? Is He a wrestler who refuses to let you go or a flame and a voice that calls you to set others free? What will count at the end of the day is if like Mary at the tomb; that when you meet Him; He calls your name and you fall at His feet and can call Him master and Lord!