Series Introduction:

In last week's sermon, we examined the story of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. We focused on their struggles and the numerous decisions that tore this family apart. We analyzed Isaac's bias towards Esau and his disrespect for God's plan, Rebekah's hastiness and deceit to secure Jacob's blessing, and Esau's reckless trade of his birthright for temporary pleasure. Furthermore, we emphasized the significance of trusting God's timing, avoiding self-deception, and appreciating spiritual blessings above earthly comforts.

Today, we will reflect on Jacob's journey as he travels toward Haran. Here Jacob's spiritual journey takes a significant turn, opening his eyes to the magnitude of God's plan for his life. 

Scripture Reading: 

Genesis 28:1-22 (ESV): Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother's father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother's brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother.

Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan-aram to take a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and gone to Paddan-aram. So when Esau saw that the Canaanite women did not please Isaac his father, Esau went to Ishmael and took as his wife, besides the wives he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth.

Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 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! And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we explore these scriptures, may your Holy Spirit open the eyes of our hearts to perceive the deeper meanings and messages you have for us. Just as Jacob experienced a divine encounter as he laid his head upon a stone, may we too encounter you in a profound and life-changing way through the insights we gain from this passage. Grant us the grace to see beyond the surface of the text and to recognize the underlying themes of your providence, grace, and sovereignty. Help us to grasp the significance of the promises you made to Jacob, promises that echo through the corridors of history and continue to impact our lives today. As we listen to this message, may it resonate with our hearts, inspiring us to draw closer to you, to wrestle with our doubts and fears, and to cling to your promises with unwavering faith. We offer this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our ultimate guide and the fulfillment of all your promises. Amen.

Introduction:

In life, we all encounter difficulties. Fear, shame, loneliness, and uncertainty can weigh heavily on our hearts, leaving us feeling defeated and lost. Jacob went through all of these struggles at once because of his own irresponsible and sinful behavior.But despite his pain and desperation, Jacob's story shows us that hope and salvation are possible. Through God's unyielding love and mercy, Jacob's life was transformed from a place of fear, shame, loneliness, and uncertainty to a place of hope and redemption.

Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's life had taken a dramatic turn for the worse. He had stolen his father's blessing from his brother, and now his own flesh and blood was after him. The fear that gripped Jacob's heart must have been immense. Esau was a strong man with a mighty temper. He was also a great hunter, and Jacob was a man on the run. I'm sure every shadow, every unexpected sound on the road made him jump. He had to travel five hundred miles into unfamiliar territory, and I'm sure the constant worry was suffocating. It's hard to imagine the weight he carried, but it must have been unbearable.

Jacob didn't just feel fear, he was also tormented by shame. The scandal that had erupted had ruined his reputation in the family, leaving him an outcast. While traveling by himself I'm sure Jacob struggled with loneliness. He had never been away from his family. He was truly alone for the first time in his life. Jacob's entire world had collapsed. He had no family to support him, no home to dwell in, we are even told that he needed to use a rock as a pillow while he slept under the stars. This was a harsh reality for the former heir of a wealthy estate, who now had to carry only what he could hold. It was a stark reminder of the consequences of his sinful choices. Amidst this tale of desperation and despair, there is a glimmer of hope. Jacob's story teaches us that even in our lowest moments, we can be touched by God's grace and mercy. 

In our moments of fear, shame, loneliness, and destitution, there is a path to redemption and restoration. God's unfailing love extends to each one of us, regardless of how deep our despair may be. Jacob's journey shows us how God is at work, offering hope and deliverance even in the darkest of times. We learn that the road to restoration begins with acknowledging our own sinfulness and humbling ourselves before God. 

As the Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth: 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV

When Jacob was at his lowest point, the Lord came to him in a dream: 

"And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 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 28:11-12, ESV

What do we make of this vision? I believe the vast chasm between heaven and earth stands as a reminder of the vast gulf and separation between sinful humanity and the holy presence of God. Just as Jacob had come to recognize his own helplessness in reaching God on his own, so too must we recognize the immense chasm that sin has created between us and our Creator.

As the prophet Isaiah would later write: 

"Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear." - Isaiah 59:2, ESV.  

This is the bad news that comes before the good news. As the Apostle Paul explained in his letter to the church in Rome, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, ESV). We have all sinned. There is no one who is innocent. He goes on to say that "the wages of sin is death…" (Romans 6:23, ESV). This is not limited to physical death but also a spiritual death of eternal separation from God in a place called hell. Our sins have separated us from God, and our sins have veiled His face from us. We, in our human frailty, cannot bridge this gap. No amount of good deeds or self-effort can elevate us to the divine realm. We are bound to see our own limitations, our inability to scale the heights of heaven on our own.

Yet, in the midst of this stark reality, God reveals a vision of hope, a ladder upon which angels ascend and descend. This ladder stands as a testament to God's unfathomable grace and love for us. He has not left us stranded on the earthly side of this vast divide. Instead, God has provided a way for us to access Him, have communion with Him, and be reconciled with Him.

Through this dream, God proclaims to Jacob that He has provided a bridge, a pathway, from earth to heaven. This pathway is not one of human construction, for no human effort could ever build such a stairway. It is a divine provision, a supernatural work of God Himself, reaching down to humanity and inviting us to ascend to Him.

 "And he said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'" - John 1:51, ESV.

Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He is the ladder that connects earth and heaven, the access point to God's heart. By placing our faith in Jesus, we can ascend the stairway to heaven, finding forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life with our Heavenly Father.

As we already noted, Romans 6:23 delivers a powerful message that cannot be ignored - "The wages of sin is death." This is a stark reality that every individual must confront. Nevertheless, the verse also offers a beacon of hope that cannot be overlooked: "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." As Paul wrote in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus bore the burden of our sins, proving that His love for us knows no bounds. His sacrifice redeemed us, and His resurrection confirmed that His sacrifice on our behalf was acceptable and effective.

Romans 10:9 echoes like a resounding anthem of salvation: "Confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved." The message echoes clearly: trust in Jesus, believe in His triumph over the grave, and salvation is yours. Romans 10:13 reinforces this melody: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Can you feel it? A lifeline from heaven extended to all who dare to believe.

Now, the crescendo of the Romans Road unfolds: Romans 5:1 whispers, "We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Through Him, peace – a tranquil bond with the Creator of the cosmos. Romans 8:1 resounds like a triumphant anthem: "No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." The chains of guilt shattered, and the verdict of condemnation forever overturned.

And in the grand finale, Romans 8:38-39 paints a picture of unbreakable love: "Neither death nor life, angels nor demons, present nor future... nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." Can you grasp the depth of this promise? It's an eternal embrace, an unyielding grip of love that transcends time, space, and circumstance. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13, ESV). Praise God! 

During times of desperation, we often turn to fleeting solutions to ease our pain, seeking comfort in material possessions. However, these pursuits only leave us feeling empty and without true peace. Jesus offers the ultimate solution to our deepest needs. In Him, we find hope, forgiveness, companionship, and provision. His sacrificial love on the cross offers redemption and restoration to those who have faith in Him.

The presence of God at the top of the ladder confirms a truth that still holds true today – the Sovereign One reigns over the intricate interplay between heaven and earth, a symbol of God's unwavering control over our existence, even in the face of our own shortcomings. Jacob, with all his flaws, witnessed God's involvement in his life. He was never alone, but he was unaware of the countless ways God was at work in his life. Like Jacob, our lives are marked by mistakes and missteps, but we are not abandoned to our past mistakes. No matter where your journey takes you, the ladder remains, a whisper that echoes through the ages: "I am with you always."

The Unwavering Promises of God

Look again at the words God spoke to Jacob: 

“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.  Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” - Genesis 28:13-15, ESV. 

When Jacob felt fear and uncertainty in the face of adversity, God assured him, "Behold, I am with you" (Genesis 28:15, ESV). This promise echoes throughout Scripture, as Jesus promised His disciples, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20, ESV). In our darkest moments, we can find solace in knowing that God is always present with us, guiding, comforting, and strengthening us on our journey.

Jacob was given the assurance that God would "keep" him in all places (Genesis 28:15, ESV). Similarly, the Scriptures declare that God's watchful care over His people is unwavering. 

“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” - Psalm 121:4, ESV

“[God] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” - Jude 24, ESV

The power of God's protection extends to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, giving us confidence in the face of challenges and trials.

God assured Jacob that He would not leave him until He had fulfilled all His spoken words. The same unyielding faithfulness is seen throughout history as God's promises were fulfilled time and time again. 

“Not one word has failed of all his good promise” (1 Kings 8:56b, ESV). 

As believers, we can be “fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:21, ESV). And that “all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV).

God’s presence is a constant source of comfort, His protection is a shield against the storms of life, His leadership is a sure guide on our journey, and His faithfulness ensures that every word He speaks will come to pass. As we embrace these promises, let us walk confidently in the knowledge that the same God who walked with Jacob is with us today, empowering us to overcome every trial and circumstance. May we hold fast to His promises, for they are "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus Christ, our unchanging and faithful Savior.

A Renewed Commitment

After encountering the living God at Bethel, Jacob's heart was stirred with love and thankfulness. In response to God's promise of protection, provision, and guidance, Jacob voluntarily made a vow to follow God like never before.

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” - Genesis 28:20-22, ESV. 

When we encounter God in a special way, His love and grace inspire us to offer ourselves in renewed dedication. It is not about what we can gain but about responding to God's goodness with wholehearted devotion. Jacob's renewed commitment and vow to God at Bethel exemplify the essence of encountering the living God, not a transaction or a mere formality, but a heartfelt response to God's promise of protection, provision, and guidance.

Jacob vowed that the LORD, the God of redemption and salvation, would always be his God. In his vow, Jacob pledged to be faithful in tithing to God. We often forget that tithing is an act of worship, acknowledging that all we have comes from God. It reflects our trust in God's provision and our desire to honor Him with the first fruits of our labor. As we faithfully tithe, we express our commitment to God's priorities and His work in the world.

Just as Jacob was forever changed by this divine experience, so can we be transformed when we encounter the living God.  However, encountering God is not a passive experience, it demands a response. When God reveals Himself to us, we are called to respond by surrendering our will, desires, and ambitions to follow His leading. As we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might, we will experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives. 

As we enter this time of decision, I want to call you to respond to God this morning. Perhaps you need to decide to give your life to God this morning, or like Jacob, you need to rededicate yourself to the Lord. Maybe you need to formally make a decision to join our church family, or you simply feel the Holy Spirit calling you to respond, but you aren’t quite sure how or why. I invite you to come down during this time of decision or to find me after the service so I can help lead you in whatever decision the Lord is calling you to make this morning. 

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your boundless grace and unchanging love. Just as Jacob saw a ladder bridging the gap between heaven and earth, we recognize a greater truth—a truth that resounds through time and eternity.

Lord Jesus, You are the ultimate bridge between humanity and divinity. You are the ladder that unites heaven and earth, sinners and a holy God. In You, we find the way to draw near to the Father's heart, for You declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Thank You for being the bridge of reconciliation, the means by which we can confidently approach God's presence.

Lord, we confess that we often stumble and fall on this faith journey. Yet, as Jacob's ladder was firm and secure, Your grace is unwavering and unending. Your hand is ever extended to lift us up, to guide us through life's challenges, and to lead us into deeper communion with You. In Your precious name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.