Delaware City press. (Delaware City, Del.) 1913-19??, 1913-04-11

passed. Though there was a partial
subsequent reformation (28:6-9) II
was not real repentance Jacob was
obliged to fee from his brothers am
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 es1
cape Esau's wrath. I
Couch Of Stones. |
I. The Refuge, w. 10, II. Every
wrong act entails retribution. Leav1
ing the luxurious home in Beershebal |
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: ~ He was lonely, which
gave him time to mediate upon his
life and his actions; (2) he was in q
great fear (27:43), which of course
quickened his thoughts as to the ultiI
mate outcome Of these experiences.
and (3) he was certainly weary. What
a picture, weary, troubled, sinful
! fugitive whose experience had brought
him to 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. 12-15. 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 1918. Verify all heaven was at
Jacobs right hand.
There are three distinguishing fea-
lures about this revelation: ID The
ladder. This might have been sug-
gested to Jacob by the nature Of the
mountainous country over which he
4 4it,t. Nrrti oia ier RnfFtfNot - VI ~ N x
4 means whereby vs. attain 0s
I higher thingH; ~ The Angels, iisy
. were ffst ascending, then desce9 aiNEii
suggesting, in mis- extremity, 3acobls
ascending prayer and Gods descenp-
ing answer thereto. In this the hour
of Jacobs deepest trial God stood ST
: the top of the ladder ready to reveal
! himself and to succor: see 1878. There
is in point of fact close and a real
connection between earth and beaver
only a veil intervenes. Jesus is our
: means of communication between 4
holy God and sinful men. Johi' q .,
Heb. 1919. 20; (s) God. Jehovah in
troduced himself in most gracious
/ and comforting manner. He it was
". 13) that had protected and guided
Jacobs father and grandfather.
Jacob Arose.
III. The Result, w. 1922. Jacob
awakened and the ladder was ro-
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 ". ~ is the be
ginning Of wisdom, Ps. 111:10, see
also 1928. The words gate Of
heaven" v. IT. signifies the gate to q
populous city; in like manner we
have the promise of an encampine
host ever about us, Ps. S4:7, 2; Kings
6:16,17. Jacob went a step further
he arose, signifying action. 1t is moi
enough to have vision. Cody feal
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, hf
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 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 witt
one OF his erring children. Jacob hat
forfeited his home by his folly. Note
his surpriseful expression, Surely the
Lord was in this place and knew 4
not"
Another great lesson is that of thu
close connection of God and of HEAVIER
with men and affairs here on thi'
earth, mans nearness to God. DIVINE
i. revelation and human humbling arr
IS always closely connected. Jacob rec
ognized the divine revelation. and be
IS lieved in the promise and purpose o
Jehovah, another evidence Of his 81
Ia periority over Esau. Jacob, IT is evi
le dent, had desire to have some par
4. IL