Jacob’s Life-Changing Decision

“…then shall the LORD be my God:” (Genesis 28:21)

   Jacob had masqueraded as his brother Esau so his father Isaac would give him the blessing that was supposed to go to Esau. Esau was furious and he threatened to kill Jacob. Rebekah told Jacob, “Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother’s fury turn away: Until thy brother’s anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him:” (Genesis 27:43-45)

   Rebekah was also concerned that Jacob might marry outside the Jewish culture. Isaac told Jacob to find a wife among the daughters of Laban, Rebekah’s brother.

   One evening as he travelled, Jacob stopped to sleep. He had a dream where he saw a ladder reaching to heaven and angels ascending and descending on it. Then God said to him, “I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south:” (Genesis 28:13-14)

    Then God said, “…and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 28:14) God had given that same promise to Abraham. The blessing to all families of the earth would be the Saviour, Jesus, who would die for all their sins, be buried, and rise again.

   Jacob realized God had been dealing with him. He said, “Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.” (Genesis 28:16) He also vowed and said, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:” (Genesis 28:20-21)

   No doubt Isaac and Rebekah had told their sons about God and His promises, but Jacob may not have paid much attention before. Yet now Jacob decided to put his personal trust in the God of Abraham and Isaac: the God who had promised to send a Saviour. Jesus would not be born for a long time, so Jacob was trusting in the Saviour who would one day come.

   Now people trust in the Saviour who has come, died for our sins, and risen again. God also still deals with people to come personally to Jesus, God the Son, in repentance and faith, and receive Him as Saviour. God deals with people through His Word. God’s Word is “…quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” (Hebrews 4:12) God’s Word cuts to people’s hearts. God uses His Word to convince people of their need for Jesus.

   Have you ever made a personal decision to come to the Lord Jesus in repentance and faith, to be forgiven for your sins, and receive Him as Saviour? If you have not but want to know more, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links”, then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”

Brian Miller 8/4/2022

Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822