The Brinkley argus., 1913-04-11
INTERNATIONAL. SlJNlGSC|lD0L
 LESSON CBy E.. O. SELLERS, Director of Even ing Department The Moody Bible In stitute of Chicago)
LESSON FOR APRIL 13
JACOB AT BETHEL.

LESSON TExT-Gen. 2S:lo-2. GOLDEN TExT-'T am with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest. v Gen. 2S:15.
 Esau, like the foolish virgins, be came wise after his opportunity had passed. Though there was q partial subsequent reformation (2s:6-sD it was not real repentance. Jacob was obliged to flee from his brothers an ger. Tn order to get him of in safety Rebekah prompted Isaac to send Jacob to her brother Laban. ostensibiy to seek a 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. Leav- ing the luxurious home in Beersheba. Jacob went towards Haran. which name signifies "a parched place" Out wonder 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: CD 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 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 a 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. It 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 method that is not need full now that we have the holy spirit. John 76:13 Verify all heaven was at Jacobs right hand.
 There are three distinguishing fea- lures about this revelation: CD 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 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 35:3. There Is in point of fact close and a real connection between earth and heaven, only a veil intervenes. Jesus Is our means of communication between a holy God and sinful men. John 14:6, Heb. 10:19, 20; (3) God. Jehovah in- troduced himself in a most gracious and comforting manner He 1t was (v 13) that had protected and guided Jacobs father and grandfather
 Jacob Arose.
 III The Result, w. 16-22. 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. ID is the be- ginning of wisdom, Ps. 111:10, see also 32:2S. The words gate of heaven" V. 1T. signifies the gate to a populous city; in like manner we have the promise of an encamping host ever about us, Ps. BAT. g: Kings 6:16,17. Jacob went a step further, he arose, signifying action. It Is not enough to have 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 tconsecration) 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 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 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 1t 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 rec ognized the divine revelation, and be lieved In the promise and purpose of Jehovah, another evidence of his SUI periority over Esau. Jacob. 1t is evi- dent, had a desire to have some part in Gods plan, and though unworthy, by discipline was brought into a large place in that plan. God has a plan for every life in the consummation of his larger purposes.