Genesis 28:10-22
In 1984, the Chicago Bulls drafted a hot shot college basketball player who was known for his offense, but wasn’t great on defense. He ended up getting drafted 4th overall – considered too high for someone who could be called a ball hog. Yet the Bulls wanted to give him a chance. Many people questioned this, like many people question Jacob’s deserving-ness of the promise.
Jacob was given a pretty incredible promise in that dream, but what amazes me is that up to now, he was as undeserving an individual as you could imagine! Abraham and Isaac weren’t perfect, but they both seem to be decent folk, Jacob, not so much. Yet that’s part of the power in this hint – the burden to get to God doesn’t lie on us. God puts the burden on Himself and comes to us. In essence, our past is nothing, only our future steps matter. Let’s investigate this dream…
Character is Not a Qualifying Trait
Jacob is a poster child for undeserved favor. Let’s kick it right off with the understanding that the name Jacob means “liar”. Scripture even tells us that directly! Lying and manipulation were centerpieces of Jacob’s life. This is what makes God’s promises so incredible. He doesn’t wait to find someone worthy but gives regardless of merit. This undeserved favor is at the very heart of the gospel. (Rom 5:8) Jesus died for us while we spit at him, ran from him, yelled and hurled insults at him, all the while looking on us with compassion. That is undeserved favor. Whether it was the manipulation of Esau when stealing his birthright, the deception of his father when he stole the blessing, or even the running away that we see at the start of Ch 28, nothing in Jacob’s character is worthy of the gift he was given – God’s favor, help and promise. Yet it was given to him regardless.
The Pathway to God has One Entrance
While on the run from Esau over the blessing theft, Jacob is on the road and stops to get rest. He dreams of a staircase with angels ascending and descending on it. God is standing there at the top, reiterating the promises He gave to Abraham and Isaac. This is significant because of how it connects to Jesus. In John 1:51, Jesus is talking with Nathanael and refers to Jacob’s dream. With inviting Nathanael to be a disciple, Jesus clarifies the meaning of the dream and His place in it. The staircase is the one open pathway to God. No one gets to God except by walking those stairs. God is present, at the top and Jacob is being shown that he as well can ascend that staircase. Jesus then explains it more by showing Himself to be the staircase (John 14:6)! No one gets to God but through Jesus – this is the promise of that dream. The pathway to God is open, but there is only one entrance—through faith in Christ. One must place their trust in Jesus as the only way to God, through His death and resurrection as actual events in human history that can make us right through God. This is exactly what was being shown to Jacob in that dream. No names were given, but Jacob clearly knew faith (and obedience) were required to make it to the top. Jacob choose action/trust; setting up the altar as a spot to worship when he returns. He saw his place in the promise and left himself something to come back to and praise God for, albeit with a bargaining chip.
An RSVP is Required
Jacob’s reply is often condemned as mere bargaining; yet it was as thorough a response as he knew how to make. It expressed profound awe (v16-17) towards the One who had been encountered, not with the promises. From this he issued the vow to pledge himself in covenant. The vow wasn’t really a bargain or negotiation, but a response. Jordan became obsessed with defense, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 1988. Jacob intended to survive, and assuming that he did, worship and discipleship would be his response. And while Jacob’s faith journey was a long process, this is his start which we do see come to a fulfillment later. Do we expect a person just meeting God for the first time to understand all the nuances in theology? We should see Jacob at the same place spiritually – he is just starting his relationship with God and is responding in trust and obedience, embarking on a journey of faith.
Next Steps
When the Bulls drafted Michael Jordan, sure he could score, but his defense was bad. He took the path towards victory. It doesn’t matter who you were yesterday, only what path you take today. Your response is required, how will you respond to God today?
- Agree that you don’t deserve God’s favor and accept that His offer of forgiveness can be for you.
- Introduce yourself to Jesus and begin your life’s journey with Him.
- Offer to God your life in return and allow Him to use it for His plan.
Your past is moot. In a moment we will close and you will head out these doors and into a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The question is, when you leave, which direction will you turn? Will you continue down your own path, or will you take the one Jesus offers?
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