Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1913-04-17
LESSON FOR APRIL 10
JACOB AT BETHEL.


will keep thee whithersoever thou goest."
Gen. ISIS.
Esau, like the foolish virgins, be-
came wise after his opportunity had
passed. Though there was partial
subsequent reformation t2S: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 few days." that he might es-
cape Esau's wrath.
Couch Of Stones.
l. 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
yonder in the desert at certain place,
not any particular one, this refugee
tarried during the long cold hours of
the night, Gathering 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
great fear (27:43l, which of course
quickened his thoughts as to the ulti-
mate outcome of these experiences,
and (3) he was certainly weary. What
picture. weary, troubled, sinful
fugitive whose experiance bad brought
n I'm, %r~ xfrsaa fF1fn faa N a
wherein he was compelled to think on
his ways.
II only men would think and not
stifie 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 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: Cd The
Ladder. This might have been sug-
gegted 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 35.2. There
is in point of fact close and q real
| connection between earth and heaven,
only veil intervenes. Jesus is our
means of communication between a
holy God and sinful men. John 14:6,
Heb. 1919, 20 (3) God. Jehovah in
troduced himself in most gracious
and comforting manner. He it was
(v 13) 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 ". 10 is the be-
ginning of wisdom, Ps. 111s10, see
also 1928. The words gate OF
heaven" " II. signifies the gate to a
populous city; In like manner we
have the promise of an encamping
host ever about US, Ps. 34.:7, q; Kings
6.1657. Jacob went 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, stone,
Jacob erected memorial, and pour
ing oil (consecration) upon it, 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 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 surprisefuI 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 rec