God doesn’t use whom Man expects Him to use!

11 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genesis 32:28a.        Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel (Prince with God):

It’s Sunday again friends; gathering time in the Lord’s sanctuary to give Him thanks and praise, fellowship with other believers, and receive the renewal of our faith and the overwhelming confidence He instills in us, so that we can go out and successfully do His work in the upcoming week! So without further ado, let’s turn to our song of worship for today, a hymn we know very well, and one that’s rather appropriate for these disastrous times in which we currently live. It’s titled “Nearer, My God, to Thee.”  

A 19th-century Christian hymn written by Sarah Flowers Adams in 1845. This hymn was written to follow the pastor’s sermon on Genesis 28:11-22, known as the story of Jacob’s ladder, or Jacob’s dream. It’s a hymn about the joy and comfort found in being close to God. So let’s offer up sacrifices of praise in a soulful, mid-tempo version, sincerely exuding, radiating the joy and comfort that we find in being close to God. 

Singing: ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be nearer, my God, to Thee, (Chorus: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!) Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee, (Chorus:) There let the way appear steps unto heav’n; All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee, (Chorus:) 

Then with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee, (Chorus:) Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upwards I fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee, (Chorus:) There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Saviour’s LOVE, perfectly blest; Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!’ 

Wow! What a powerful song! And we did it full justice! (smile) There’s no doubting that the lives of believers are enhanced to a greater extent, the closer to God they find themselves. In fact it’s the greatest and most desirous place to be…as close as you can possibly get to God! 

And the Hymnary.Org website breaks down the hymn thus: ‘The first stanza introduces the theme of the hymn, with the repeated phrase “Nearer, my God, to thee.” The second through fourth stanzas are based on the story of Jacob and the ladder to heaven, found in Genesis 28:10-22. God’s close connection to Jacob in this story is seen as a way of relief from the darkness (st. 2) and “stony griefs” (st. 4) of his human journey. The last stanza looks forward to the time when we will come to stand before God in eternal song.’ 

And if the song is about Jacob’s dream, then it’s only fitting that we read it here today. It begins when Jacob leaves home to go and take a wife from the family of his mother’s brother, Laban. ‘And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon (came to) a certain place, and tarried (stayed there) all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 

And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, 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 (descendants); 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: and in thee and thy seed shall all the families of the world be blessed.  And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’ (Gen. 28:10-15) 

Can you imagine it people? The Lord promising to bless one of the biggest schemers and crooks of the day. Look at all the things he did, like unfairly getting Esau’s’ birthright, buying it for a bowl of lentil stew. (Gen. 25:29-34) Then in league with his mother Rebekah, deceiving his blind Father into giving Esau’s blessing as the oldest son. (Gen. 27) And it’s interesting to note Esau’s words to his father Isaac, when he begs for a blessing, and Isaac tells him that Jacob’s taken it away. 

‘And he (Esau) said, Is he not rightly named Jacob (supplanter)? For he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?’ (Gen. 27:36) Unfortunately Isaac could not change what he had already done, making Jacob lord or master over all his brethren. 

And we also see Jacob’s hijinks with his uncle Laban, although Laban outsmarted him in the first go round by having him marry his oldest and less beautiful daughter Leah, when he had agreed to give him the second one, Rachel, whom he LOVED. And you can read about the schemes between the family of Laban and Jacob in Genesis in Genesis 29 & 30. Now that’s the kind of man with little or no integrity that the Lord made the Father of His people, Israel, when He changed his name after he wrestled all night with and angel. 

And when the angel saw he couldn’t prevail against Jacob, he touched him in the socket of his thigh and Jacob became lame. But Jacob, with his predatory nature refused to let go of the angel unless he blessed him. Then the angel asked his name, and he said Jacob. Then the angel replied: ‘Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel (Prince with God): for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men (for you have struggled with God), and hast prevailed.’ (Gen. 32:25-28) 

Yes friends, that’s just how the Lord operates; using the most unlikely people to do His work. It’s like Bruh Paul writes to the church at Corinth. ‘For ye see (consider) your calling, brethren, how not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound (put to shame) the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound (put to shame) the things which are mighty; 

And base (insignificant) things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto (became for) us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 1:26-31) 

Ah my people, if the Lord could use broken people to do great work for Him, then that means all of us have a chance to serve the Lord with honour and gladness. So please, regardless of our circumstances, let’s remember that while there is life, there is always hope, and steadfastly concentrate on drawing closer to Almighty God! For that’s the wisdom of the ages! Much LOVE!

…in God’s kingdom…the biggest sinners…can become the biggest saints…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 March 2022 James 4:8a.

06 Mar 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

James 4:8a.     Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. 

Well, it’s a glorious Sunday morning in early March of 2022! And can you believe that the temperature is already about 10 degrees Celsius…at this time in the winter season, and is expected to go up to around 15! Wow! Mother Nature has certainly gone awry! But it’s a good thing we have Jesus to cling to, the One who never changes – the same yesterday, today and forever – to give us a strong foundation and keep us in perpetual balance, since Mother Nature appears to have lost hers. (smile) 

And today we are going to open with a song of praise that’s ever so appropriate for our walk with God in these unprecedented times of our lives, one we well know and LOVE. It’s aptly titled ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’ Oh friends, with all the atrocities, the disasters, the strife and hatred that’s taking place in our world in this current season of Lent, all of us need to get closer to God. There’s no doubt about that, because it’s only through His unconditional LOVE, His grace, mercy and forgiveness that we can ever hope to make it through these tempestuous times! 

The song is such a wonderful testament to our faith, especially the practicality of it, and reminds us of those marvellous words from James. ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.’ (James 4:7-8) And unfortunately, we are all numbered amongst that lot. 

But there is hope, as one commentator fervently declares: ‘Even when we cannot see or feel Him, the Lord never leaves our side. As we walk through each day, let us remember to call upon His name and give thanks. The beautiful lyrics of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ are the perfect call to the Lord. And when you hear the story behind this amazing hymn, you will be reminded exactly why we need him every hour and second.’ 

So, on this first Sunday morning in the Lenten Season of this confusing year of 2022, let’s do exactly what James, Jesus’ brother, advises nuh, let’s submit ourselves to God, draw closer to Him, as we sing this beautiful hymn in a soulful and heartfelt manner, truly conveying the hope we have in Jesus. And as we raise our voices in sacrificial praise to heaven, let’s remember why we need Him, each and every second of every hour of every day.  

So let’s sing: ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s LOVE, perfectly blest; Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!’ 

Oh my people, there’s nothing in this world that compares with being near to our Creator! But it doesn’t just happen, we must make a conscious effort to bring it about, and the Lord will help us when we do that. And the story behind the hymn is a perfect example of that, of experiencing God in a greater way. It was written by Sarah Flower Adams (1805-1848) somewhere around 1841 to follow her pastor’s sermon on Genesis 28:11-19, known as the story of Jacob’s ladder, or Jacob’s dream, when Jacob was sent to Padan-aram to seek a wife from his mother’s family. 

The Good Book tells it. ‘And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went towards Haran. And he lighted upon (came to) a certain place, and tarried (stayed) there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place and put them (at his head) for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and beheld a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 

And behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, 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 (descendants). 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: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land: for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’ (Gen. 28:10-15) 

Wow mih bredrin! Can you imagine having that dream? And why did the Lord offer all of that to Jacob, a known ole crook and scamp eh, who had earlier stolen His brother Esau’s birthright? He certainly uses those whom we think are unfit to do His work, like He did later on with Bruh Paul. And can you imagine Jacob’s reaction? Here is how the Good Book tells it. ‘And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.’ (Gen. 28:16-17) 

Oh friends, yuh see how easy it is for God to put the fear of God in us when we think we are big and bad and bold!  And the Good Book continues: ‘And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar (altar), and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel (House of God): but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.’ (Gen. 28:18-19) 

Yes mih people, Jacob had finally met his match, God! And when that happens, as so many of us can testify to, we suddenly come to our senses and our lives do a complete 360 degrees turn around, reminiscent of Bruh Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus many moons later. It was the same with Jacob. ‘And Jacob vowed 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 raiment (clothes) to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God. And this stone, which I have set for a pillar (altar), shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth (a tithe) unto thee.’ (Gen. 28:20-22) 

Oh fellow believers, the Lord kept His word and Jacob also kept his vow. That’s how it ought to work. And please note that Jacob’s tithe was voluntary, like Abraham’s was to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20) because the Law of tithing was not given to Israel until the time of Moses. It just goes to show a sincere LOVE and appreciation for God’s generosity to them, a trait that should also be found in us modern day believers, and even stronger too, because we have been granted much more than the old-timers, we have Jesus and all the wonderful things He brings to the table. 

Now, my fellow saints, I do hope that what we‘ve said today will make a large imprint on our hearts and souls, and bring us ever closer to God, because we so badly need it, if we are to maintain our peace and LOVE for Christ and diligently do His work in these tempestuous times. Much LOVE!

…the only wise way to walk this life…is to walk it as closely as possible with Christ…   

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8           

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 May 2020 Genesis 28:20.

03 May 2020 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

​Genesis 28:20.    ​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:

 

Come Sunday morning, my fellow saints and I, will gather together for sweet fellowship, around our electronic devices, to sing and praise and thank and exalt our wonderful God, for all that He’s done for us! Oh for sure, no social distancing and locking of sanctuary doors will stop us from worshipping Him on His day with singing and dancing, hearing His Word, and receiving His joy, confidence and assurance to help us get through another week of pandemic panic! 

So let’s get going with a song of worship, most appropriate to these times nuh, a song written by Sarah Flowers in the 19th century, titled ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’ And do we all ever need to draw close and closer to our Creator and Provider my people! Our lives have become so sinful, haphazard and disobedient that it’s only by drawing closer to Him that we can ever get them cleaned up and set right again. So with true sincerity in our hearts, let’s raise our voices in sacrificial song, soulful and sweet. 

‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s LOVE, perfectly blest; Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!’ 

Oh friends, our singing was most excellent, let’s hope that the Lord saw genuine sincerity when He looked at our hearts. Yes precious people, we need the One and Only True Living God, every minute of every day, whether we’re down here on earth or in heaven above. One commentary put’s it this way: ‘Even when we cannot see or feel Him, the Lord never leaves our side. As we walk through each day, let us remember to call upon His name and give Him thanks. The beautiful lyrics of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ are the perfect call to the Lord.’ And are they ever my friends! 

And someone also noted the irony that in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912, as the British Passenger Liner, the Titanic was sinking, the bandleader chose to play ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’ The irony comes from the earlier boast of the ship owners and builders that the Titanic was a ship that ‘even God Himself could not sink.’ But as they were going under, God’s Spirit moved miraculously to turn their thoughts to Him, their Creator and Saviour. It was reputed that the song was written to accompany a pastor’s sermon on Genesis 28:11-19, generally known as the story of Jacob’s ladder, or dream. 

The Good Book tells us that Isaac sent Jacob to Padan-aram from his home in Canaan to marry one of his uncle Laban’s daughters because he didn’t want him marrying a Canaanite woman. One night along the way, he slept in a certain deserted place and had a dream, as of a ladder going up from earth to heaven, with angels of God ascending and descending it. ‘And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, 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 (descendants). 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: and in thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ (Gen. 28:13-14) 

Oh friends, doesn’t that sound mighty familiar? It surely does, because it was the same basic promise the Lord made to Abraham back in Genesis 12. And out of the seed of Jacob, the Lord’s promise to Abraham would begin to come true, after He changed His name to Israel, the father of many nations, through the twelve tribes of Israel. But the Lord didn’t stop there in Jacob’s dream, He continued: ‘And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee; until I have done that which I have spoken to thee.’ (Gen 28:15) 

No wonder Jacob was so blessed. But yuh see who the Lord used to bring Abraham’s dream to pass; Jacob, the ole crook and con man. Just goes to show that the Lord is no respecter of people, and will use the most unexpected people to do His bidding. Obviously Jacob awoke afraid, and said: ‘Surely, the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.’ (Gen. 28:15) Then when he got up, he took the stone he’d used for his pillow, set it up for a pillar, poured oil upon it, and called the place Bethel (House of God), although it was already named Luz. 

Then he vowed 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 raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth (a tithe) unto thee.’ (Gen. 28:16-22) And apparently the Lord kept His promise to Jacob, and Jacob kept His vow to God. 

But my people, how many of us have vowed vows to God, made promises that we’ve never kept eh; either when He’s blessed us, or when we’ve asked Him for blessings? Too many, I suspect. But please remember these wise words of Cousin Sol: ‘When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer (delay) not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.’ (Eccl. 5:4-5) That’s wisdom in spades! Much LOVE!

…He who has ears to hear…let him hear…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 July 2019 Genesis 28:15.

28 Jul 2019 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genesis 28:15.    ​And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
 

Sunday morning, Sunday morning, the Lord is calling: ‘Come to my house, hear my Word, sing my praises, encourage each other and find joy, unspeakable joy in the house of your God!’ Oh friends, it’s an open invitation to ALL: whosoever will may come! Now that’s an offer we surely can’t refuse, because there’s none better than it! And if you don’t believe me, then please take up the Lord’s offer, try Him, test the reality and faithfulness of His promise. And if it doesn’t work out like He says, then I’ll be your slave for life! (smile) 

And I can make that bold promise because I know from personal experience, that if you check out the Lord’s sanctuary today, you’ll have such a great time, you’ll want to come back each and every week. Mama Mia! Fellowshipping with other believers under the Lord’s watchful and parental eye, with His mercy, grace and forgiveness just flowing freely into our souls and spirits… Brother…it’s just the greatest! 

So let’s start the proceedings as always with a song of praise and exaltation to our great and wonderful Jehovah God; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And today’s song is another marvellous hymn that we all know and LOVE: it’s titled ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’ The internet site, God Tube, rightly tells us that “Even when we cannot see or feel Him, the Lord never leaves our side. As we walk through each day, let us remember to call upon His name and give thanks. The beautiful lyrics of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ are the perfect call to the Lord.” 

 It was reputedly written by British hymnist Sarah Flowers in the mid 19th century as a follow up to her pastor’s sermon on Genesis 28:11-19, known as the story of Jacob’s ladder, or Jacob’s dream. As one vibrant and harmonious voice now, let’s thrill the hordes of heaven with a moderate tempo version of the song. ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! 

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Saviour’s LOVE, perfectly blest; Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!’ 

Yes friends, the hymn does do the story of Jacob’s dream justice and we also pleased heaven with our rendition. So let’s delve into Jacob’s story a li’l deeper now nuh. All of this happened when his father Isaac sent him away to his families’ homeland of Padan-aram to get a bride from his uncle Laban’s daughters because the daughters of the Canaanites weren’t good enough for him. This was after Jacob had deceived the blind Isaac, who blessed him with what was supposed to be Esau’s birthright. (Gen.27) 

Obviously that created a serious feud in the family, and no doubt Jacob was only too glad to get away from Esau. And it’s said that Jacob’s name meant, cheat, deceiver, con-man, etc. so he certainly lived up to his name. Now one night on his journey, as the sun set, he stopped at a certain place, took up some stones to use for a pillow and went to sleep. Then the Good Book tells us: ‘And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 

And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land where thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed (descendants). And thy seed (descendants) shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’ (Gen.28:12-15) 

Now doesn’t that just boggle the imagination, that God would use such a trickster to do such meaningful work on his behalf. Change His name to ‘Israel – Prince with God – (Gen.32:28) and thus have him become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. But He did! Just goes to show how He likes to confuse mankind by using those we’d consider very unlikely to be His front-line people. But the Lord’s unconventional approach did seem to work on Jacob, because he awakened afraid, realizing that the Lord was there, unbeknownst to him. 

Then, taking the stone he had used for a pillow, he set it up as an altar to God and poured oil on it, and called the place ‘Bethel’ (the house of God) (Gen.28:16-19) Then he made this life changing vow. ‘If God 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: and this stone, which I have set for a pillar (altar), shall be God’s house: and all of that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.’ (Gen.28:20-22) 

Ah friends, yuh see how our mighty God moves in mysterious ways? Who would ever have thought that He would use Jacob as one of His main men eh? But that ought to give us hope and encouragement, that no matter how bad we are, how low we fall, that it doesn’t prevent our God of many chances from using us to do big things in His name. So please let the words of the Good Book and the hymn detailing Jacob’s change of heart, resonate in our own hearts, souls, bodies and minds today, and thus cause us to desire the most wonderful option possible… ‘Nearer My God to Thee…Let me draw… Nearer My God to Thee…! Much LOVE!

…no one’s past…eliminates them…from being involved in God’s future…