Genesis 28, Matthew 19

Thursday, Jan 3, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 28, Matthew 19)

(Genesis 28)

On Jacob’s journey from Beersheeba to Haran, he stopped at Bethel to rest. There, God came to him in a dream. After affirming the fulfillment of the covenant He made with Abraham, God revealed that the land he was laying on would be the place it would be done. Then God made another promise in verse 15, “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.”

The thing I love about this scripture is Jacob’s response to God. He had two profound revelations, the first was that “Surely the Lord is in this place” and the second, “How awesome is this place!” He instantly accepted it, did his best to set the land apart through setting up a pillar from the rock he used as a pillow, and made a vow to God to express his dedication.

Jacob hadn’t done everything perfect in his life, but here’s what he did do, when God spoke he believed. Jacob never QUESTIONED God’s profound leading and provision, he DEPENDED on it.

I love the fact that he used the very rock he slept on to build the pillar. He marked the spot where it happened. Just like the waterstones from the river Jordan that the priests set out, it would be a reminder for generations to come of God’s faithfulness. This is an amazing challenge to us, how do we remember the profound moments in which our lives were changed forever? How do we capture that moment of dependency and thanksgiving where we were ready to change everything if God asked? How do we remember the zeal and excitement of a fresh new vision or promise for it to be fulfilled?

If we do not remain in fellowship with the Spirit, it will fade, if not disappear. If we do not remain in fellowship with one another, we will forget. This is the heart behind Hebrews 10. We are told to consider how we can encourage one another, how we lead others towards loving and that love being expressed through works of service (good deeds). That is our stone. It tells us to keep meeting together and to hold to the hope that we profess, the “new” command that Jesus gave. And it says to do so even more as we see the Day (capital “D”) approaching.

(Matthew 19)

In speaking to the rich young man, Jesus hit him at the core. Although he was asking what it took to gain it, Jesus knew what he valued over eternal life. For him, it existed in the temporary. Bottom line, we have to be willing to leave behind what we value apart from Christ. Why? Typically those are the things we value in lieu of Christ. Jesus said even if that is our house, or those we love, or even our fields (places of work or provision). Obviously, he doesn’t always call us to do that. But he asks us all to be willing. This is a huge challenge to us all. Each day as we make decisions, we are choosing sides. God, give us a faith that trusts your provision. Then Father, give us the courage to find joy in the journey it takes us on.