Mexico Missouri message., 1913-04-10
INTERNATIONAL,
SUNDESCHOOL
LESSON
Ry f. o. SELLERS. Director Of Even
ing Department The Moody Bible In
stitute of Chicago.)
LESSON FOR APRIL Is
JACOB AT BETHEL.

Esau, like the foolish virgins, be-
came wise after his opportunity had
passed. Though there was a partial
subsequent reformation (2S:6-9) It
was not real repentance. Jacob was
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 a few days." that he might es-
cape Esau's wrath.
Couch Of Stones.
I. The Refuge, w. 10, II. Every
wrong act entails retribution. Leay-
ing the luxurious home in Beersheba,
Jacob went towards Haran, which
name signifies "a parched place" Out
yonder In the desert at certain place,
not any particular one, this refugee
tarried during the long cold hours of
the night Gathering a few stones as
a 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.
and (3) he was certainly weary. What
picture, a weary, troubled. sinful
fugitive whose experience had brought
him to a time and into surroundings
wherein he was compelled to think on
his ways.
II 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, 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: (D The
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 IL
a means whereby we attain unto the
higher things; (2) The Angels. They
were first ascending, then descending
suggesting, in mis- extremity, Jacobs
ascending prayer and Gods descend
ing answer thereto. In this the hour
of Jacobs deepest trial God stood al
the top of the ladder ready to reveal
himself and to succor: see 1858. There
\ Is In point of fact a close and a real
connection between earth and heaven
only a veil intervenes. Jesus is ouI
means of communication between Q
holy God and sinful men. John 1875
Heb. 1919. 20; (3) God. Jehovah in
troduced himself in q most graciou:
and comforting manner. He it was
". 13) that had protected and guided
Jacobs father and grandfather.
Jacob Arone.
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 aftel
the dream had passed. So much wa:
he impressed with this that he ex
claims: Surely the Lord, Is in this
place" Jacobs fear w. I'D is the be
ginning of wisdom, Ps. 111:10, SEE
also 1928. The words gate O
heaven" v. II. signifies the gate to {
populous city; In like manner We
have the promise of an encampinl
host ever about us, Ps. BAIT, 2; Kings
6:l6,17. Jacob went step further
he arose. signifying action. 1t is no
enough to have vision. Cody feal
is always accompanied by action. TAX
ing Of the thing at hand. a stone
Jacob erected memorial, and pour
ing oil (consecratioI) upon 1t, hi
called the name of that place Bethel
the house of God. In like manner
God would have US to take OF the
common things OF our everyday life
and erect a holy memorial out o.
them to the honor and glory of hi:
name. Twas not alone the place o.
vision, but also OF prayer, and true
prayer involves work.
This lesson is a wonderful reveal
ton OF the love, grace and patience o.
God watching over and dealing will
one OF his erring children. Jacob haC
forfeited his home by his folly. Not'
his surpriseful expression, Surely the
Lord was in this place and / knew I
not"
Another great lesson is that OF th'
close connection OF God and of HEAVIER
with men and affairs here on this
earth, mans nearness to God. Divine
revelation and human humbling arr
always closely connected. Jacob rec
ognized the divine revelation. and be
,ieved In the promise and purpose o
jehovah. another evidence Of his gu
peyiority over Esau. Jacob. II is evi
dent. had a desire to have some par