The Brinkley argus., 1918-11-15
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER IT
JACOB FLEEING FROM HIS ANGRY
 BROTHER.


 LESSON TEXT-Genesis 2S:10-22
 GOLDEN TEXT-He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniQuities.-Psalms 103:10. ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Genesis N: 46-28:9
 The motive which moved Rebekah to send Jacob away was mixed one. She realized that Esau's anger was hot against Jacob, even to the point where he was likely to kill him. She further knew that justice would have to be meted out to him, and thus she would be bereft of them both. Then, too, she realized that if Jacob remained in that land he would likely marry a heather woman and thus defeat Gods purpose regarding the covenant nation. This latter she pressed upon Isaac as a motive for sending him away.
 l. Jacobs Flight (v. 10).
 He was fleeing from his outraged brother. His flight was necessary to save his life. He seems not to have gone the common road, so as to be less likely overtaken by Esau, should he pursue him. Through forced march he reaches Bethel, spot nearly fifty miles away, by nightfall.
 H.. Jacobs Vision (vv, 11-17).
 Jacobs soul was peculiarly tested. He had to leave home and r1other. On the way to Haran night overtakes him, and he is obliged to sleep in field with a stone for his pillow and the canopy of heaven for a covering. It was under such circumstances that the Lord gave him the wonderful vision at Bethel. Many times the rough experi- ences and severe trials of life help us on toward God. Luxury and heavenly visions do not usually go together. This finds illustration in John on Pat mos; Stephen looking into heaven while being stoned, and John Bunyan in Bedford jail.
 1. He saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven (y. 12).
 This suggests means of communi- cation between earth and heaven, be- tween man and God. It showed Jacob that in spite of his awful sin there was a way to heaven for him. Jesus Christ is the ladder connecting earth and heaven for us (John :51; l4:6 Hebrews 1O:19, 20). In the inearna- tion Jesus Christ descended to earth's lowest depth and made a way upon which human feet might climb to heaven. Fortunate are they who in the times of earth's trials discern tifis ladderi
 2. He saw angels of God upon the ladder (v. 12).
 They were ascending and descending upon this ladder. These angels were the divine helpers to render needed as' sistance along lifes way. Though un' seen, Gods angels guide and protect us on our earthly pilgrimage. They ascend unto the Father with our needs, and descend unto us with Gods reply Christ is real man, and so can iden- tify himself with us; he is the very God, really divine, and so is able to lift us to God and secure our reconcilfa- tion with him.
 8. He saw the Lord standing above the ladder (vv. 13-1O.
 To show Jacob that the ladder did not merely reach into space, the per sonal God appeared and talked with him. His message is filled with inf mite grace. CD He declared the God of Abraham and Isaac (v. 1O. thus assuring Jacob that the same hand that guided his fathers was over him. (2) He renewed the covenant as to the land (v. 13). Though Jacob was now fleeing from the land, yet the covenant would not fail, for Jacob and his seed should possess it. (3) As' sured him of numerous seed (v. 14). They would spread abroad to the north, and south, and east, and west. (4) The divine presence with the wan dering Jacob (v. 15). Though he had sinned and was reaping what he had sown, yet God was with him.
 III. Jacobs Vow (vv. 18-22).
 Gods gracious visitation provoked Jacob to make VOW. Each sight of God should cause us to renew our ob- ligation to him. His VOW included three things: CD Dedication of himself to God (v. 12). This is the first thing to do. Our gifts are an abominatiOn while the life is withheld from God. (2) Wor- ship established (vv. IS, 19). This stone shall be Gods house." Worship always follows dedication of ones self to God. There Is personal communion between God and those who worship him. (3) Consecration of his sub stance. of his possessions (v. 22). Those who have fellowship with Ged recognize Gods claim upon their pos sessions. Gods grace should cOnstrain us to give of our substance to him.