The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1913-04-11
INTERNATIONAL,
SUNGYS0IO0L
LESSON
By e. o. SELLERS. Director OF Even
ing Department The Moody Bible In
stitute of Chicago)
LESSON FOR APRIL 13
JACOB AT BETHEL.

obliged to fee from his brothers an
ger. In order to get him off in safety
Rebekah prompted Isaac to send
Jacob to her brother Laban, ostensibly
to seek wife (27:46), but in reality
'for few days." that he might es-
cape Esau's wrath
Couch Of Stones.
!. Tho Refuge, w. 10, II. Every
wrong act entails retribution. Leav-
ing the luxurious home in Beersheba,
Jacob went towards Haran, which
name signifies "a parched place." Out
yonder in the desert at a certain place,
not any particular one, this refugee
tarried during the long cold hours Of
the night. Gathering few stones as
rude couch, Jacob slept. There are
three things to consider about him
that night: (1) He was lonely, which
gave him time to mediate upon his
life and his actions; (2) he was in a
great fear (27:43), which of course
quickened his thoughts as to the ulti-
mate outcome of these experiences,
J anu kOJ hO w dD SCi tuihlJ NCdlJ w nat
picture, weary, troubled, sinful
fugitive whose experience had brought
him to a time and into surroundings
wherein he was compelled to think on
| his ways.
If only men would think and not
stifle conscience more of them would
throw themselves upon the mercy of
loving father
II. The Revelation, w. 1915. Jacob
was not in reality alone. Both God
and his angels were there in that lone
ly desert place, Ps. 34:7-139:7. 1t
was not an accident that caused Jacob
to dream that night. Undoubtedly this
dream came from God. Dreams were
frequently used of God as a means Of
revelation, a method that is not need
full now that we have the holy spirit,
John 1913. Verify all heaven was at
Jacobs right hand.
There are three distinguishing fea-
lures about this revelation: ID Tho
Ladder. This might have been sug-
gested to Jacob by the nature of the
mountainous country over which he
had been or was passing. A ladder is
means whereby we attain unto the
higher things; (2) The Angels. They
were first ascending, then descending;
suggesting, in his extremity, Jacobs
ascending prayer and Gods descend
ing answer thereto. In this the hour
of Jacobs deepest trial God stood at
the top of the ladder ready to reveal
himself and to succor: see 1858. There
is in point of fact close and real
only veil intervenes. Jesus is our
means of communication between
holy God and sinful men. John 1876,
Heb. 1919, 20; (3) God. Jehovah in
troduced himself in a most gracious
and comforting manner. He it was
". 49, that had protected and guided
Jacobs father and grandfather.
Jacob Arose.
III. The Result, w. 1922. Jacob
awakened and the ladder was re-
moved, but the revelation remained.
The presence, the keeping power, the |
guidance and the ultimately finished |
work in Jacobs life remained after |
the dream had passed. So much was !
he impressed with this that he ex-
claims: Surely the Lord Is in this
place." Jacobs fear (v-17) is the be-
ginning of wisdom, Ps 111:10. see
also 1928. The words gate Of
heaven" v. II. signifies the gate to
populous city; in like manner we
have the promise of an encamping
host ever about US, Ps. BAT, 2; Kings
6:16,17. Jacob went step further,
he arose, signifying action. 1t is not
enough to have vision. Cody fear
Is always accompanied by action. TAX
Ing Of the thing at hand, stone,
Jacob erected a memorial, and pour
Ing oil (consecration) upon 1t, he
called the name of that place Bethel,
the house of God. In like manner
God would have us to take of the
things Of our everyday life
and erect a holy memorial out of
hem to the honor and glory of his
name. Twas not alone the place OF
Vision, but also Of prayer, and true
prayer involves work
This lesson is a wonderful revela-
ion Of the love, grace and patience of
Tod watching over and dealing with
me of his erring children. Jacob had
orfeited his home by his folly. Note
IFS surpriseful expression, Surely the
ord was in this place and knew it
Iot."
Another great lesson is that of the
lose connection of God and Of heaven
With men and affairs here on this
arth, mans nearness to God. Divine
evelation and human humbling are
lways closely connected. Jacob rec
gnized the divine revelation. and be-
eyed in the promise and purpose of
ehovah, another evidence of his su-
eriority over Esau. Jacob, it is evil
ent, had desire to have some part
/ Gods plan, and though unworthy,
y discipline was brought into large
lace in that plan. God has a plan
'r every life in the contamination Of