God with us in our dreams and setbacks | Dec. 10
Genesis 28:10-22
Martin Greindl | East Abbotsford and Community & Care Pastoral Intern
J.R.R Tolkien once said, “A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities.” As a writer of fiction, Tolkien knew of the influence a dream could have on a story. But, could you imagine the power of a dream that shows true reality in a way no one else can see? Genesis 28 tells of that dream. Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, is running for his life after he deceived his father. You probably remember that Esau, his brother, wanted him dead (27:41).
So, Jacob fled to his uncle, Laban. During his escape while sleeping on a stone, something strange happens. Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching heaven with God above it. Surely the sight of angels ascending and descending this ladder could fill a book, but the author wants us to see something else: a promise.
At Bethel, Jacob heard the promise: God would fulfill His covenant with Abraham. But more, Yahweh said, “I will be with you, keep you, and bring you back.” When Jacob was being unfaithful, and running away in fear, the God of the universe came near, saying, ‘You’re not alone. I am not done with you.’
Just think of it: Experiencing heaven while fleeing hell, hearing your heavenly Father after leaving your earthly one, knowing Yahweh will be your God! What Jacob realized was that God was present and faithful to bring him back “in peace.” (Genesis 28:21) Peace. Might that be something you long for—a sign from God that He is with you? Assurance that even though you’ve messed up, He is not done with you? Look to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who entered this messy world—“God with you” in flesh, hanging on a cross.
Even there, “The Lord was in this place and (we) did not know it” (Genesis 28:16), nailing our faithlessness to a pole, raising a precious “gate of heaven.” If you feel weak, restless or alone, turn to Jesus’ promise: “I am with you until the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20).
PRAYER: Father, thank you for not giving up on us. Thank you for being with us. Lord Jesus, thank you for wanting to be our God. Forgive us for our unbelief. Holy Spirit of peace, help us see! Amen.