OF ROCKS AS SOFT AS PILLOWS AND HEADS AS HARD AS STONES
Genesis 28
10Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
I have been referred to as hardheaded on an occasion or two and I cannot refute that assertation. I know I have a stubborn streak in me. I like to think that it is because I am determined to pursue my goals. However, I know that sometimes it is just me being self-centered. It would appear that Jacob can relate.
When I read the story of Jacob, I can see in his struggle to try and make things work out the way he wants them to be in my own schemes and plans that I bring to God and seek His endorsement. As we find Jacob on the run from yet another crafty plot in which he stole both the blessing and birthright from his brother, Esau, he settles in for a restless night’s sleep. He grabs a rock for a pillow and that is when things get really strange. He has a dream/vision of a ladder reaching to the heavens and angels ascending and descending on the ladder. He sees God standing at the top of the ladder. He hears the voice of God renewing the promise that had been made to Abraham, his grandfather, and Isaac, his father, and now to him. It was a promise that they would become a great nation who would be a blessing to the whole earth. When he awakens from this dream, he says that surly this is the “house of God” so he calls the place Bethel.
God has been faithful throughout the story despite the shortcomings of His chosen servants. The family that is to be a blessing to the whole earth, often leaves pain and destruction in their wake. Yet, God is persistent. God promises. God forgives. God fulfills His promises. Our challenge is to keep our heads and hearts soft enough to hear and obey the voice of God. God offers to be in relationship with us through Jesus Christ and yet we are resistant. We have plans of our own and besides obedience can be difficult.
I know for me; it often takes facing the dark night for me to be receptive to the light of God. It takes me being willing to acknowledge that God does indeed love me and wants the best for me. In those moments of trust, I can be encouraged by hearing the voice of God saying “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go…for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
