The Madisonian. (Richmond, Ky.) 1913-1914, 1913-04-08
INTERNATIONAL.
SUNDMSGIOOL
LESSON
CBy E. o. SELLERS, Director of Even
ing Department The Moody Bible In
stitute of Chicago.)
LESSON FOR APRIL IS,
JACOB AT BETHEL

LESSON TEXT-Gen. 2S:10-22
GOLDEN TEXT-'I am with thee, and
will keep thee whithersoever thou goest."
! Gen. 2S:15.
Esau, like the foolish virgins, be-
came wise after his opportunity had
passed. Though there was a partial
subsequent reformation (28:6-9) it
was not real repentance. Jacob was
obliged to fee from his brothers an
ger. In order to get him of 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 Esan's wrath.
| Couch Of Stones.
/ The Refuge, Wv. 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
| he night. Gathering a few stones as
rude couch, Jacob slept. There are.
| three things to consider about him
that night: ID He was lonely, which
gave him time to mediate upon his,
life and his actions; CD he was in a
| great fear (27:43), which Of course.
quickened his thoughts as to the ulti-
mate outcome of these experiences,
| and go he was certainly weary. What
a picture, weary, troubled, sinful
| fugitive whose experience had brought
| him to a time and into surroundings
wherein he was compelled to think Oh
his ways.
If only men would think and not
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
~ desert place, Ps. 4:7-139:7. 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 1918. 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
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 at
the top of the ladder ready to reveal
| himself and to succor: see 35:3. There
is IN point Of fact a close and real
connection between earth and heaven,
only veil intervenes. Jesus is our
means Of communication between q
holy God and sinful men. John 1875,
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.
SaSSO FNtSSCs
III. The Result, Wv. 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 ". I'D Is the be-
ginning of wisdom, Ps. 111:10, see
also 1928. The words gate Of
heaven" V. II, signifies the gate to a.
populous city; in like manner we
have the promise of an eucamping
host ever about us, Ps. SAT-, 2; Kings
6:16,17. Jacob went a step further,
he arose, signifying: action. 1t Is not
enough to have a vision. Cody fear
is always accompanied by action. TAX
ing Of the thing at hand, a 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
common things of our everyday life
and erect a holy memorial out OF
them 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-
ton Of the love, grace and patience OF
God watching over and dealing with
one of his erring children. Jacob had
forfeited his. home by his folly. Note
his surpriseful expression, Surely the
Lord was In this place and knew it
not"
Another great lesson is that of the
close connection of God and of heaven
with men and affairs here on this
earth, mans nearness to God. Divine
revelation and human humbling are
always closely connected. Jacob REQ
ognized the divine revelation. and be-.
lieved in the promise and purpose or.
Jehovah, another evidence OF his SUI
periOrity oyer ESaIl .Tacrb it Is. EVIL.