10 Weeks in Genesis: Lesson 10
WEEK TEN: WATCH EPISODE 15 FROM BIBLE IN A YEAR STUDY
THE HOUSE OF GOD:
It would be easy to overlook the riches of Genesis 28. This dream, however, has been seared in my brain since childhood. I remember the coloring page of Jacob sleeping on a rock and a ladder reaching heaven with angels going up and down on it. It would barely be worth talking about without a subtle statement by Jesus in John chapter 1. Let me set the scene for you. Phillip had just found his friend Nathaniel and told him about the Messiah, "Jesus of Nazareth." Nathaniel reluctantly follows while commenting, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Nathaniel and Jesus have a brief exchange of words, and Nathaniel exclaims, "You are the son of God." Jesus responded, "Do you believe because I said I saw you under the fig tree? Truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
I doubt there was a single Jew there that missed the reference, though we Western readers are likely to have missed it completely. Jesus, at this moment, interpreted Jacob's dream. As the angels ascended and descended on the ladder (staircase) in Genesis, so now Jesus says the angels will ascend and descend on him. Jesus reveals to his early followers that he is the ladder, the point of contact between heaven and earth. We know the only way to come to the Father is through Jesus. (John 14:6) There is no other name given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus alone brings us near to the house of God. Jacob awakes from his dream and names the place Bethel. (Beth, meaning house, and El, meaning God) In our world, many people proclaim there are multiple ways to reach heaven and enjoy fellowship with the Father, but the Scripture insists that Jesus is the only means for one to come to salvation.
God speaks to Jacob the same words already proclaimed to Abraham, "Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed." We know by now the significance of this blessing and that, in truth, it speaks to the souls of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation redeemed by the blood of Jesus, for the Glory of the Father, by the working of the Spirit.
Don't miss Jacob's vow, in which he says he will serve the Lord if God is faithful in providing "bread to eat and clothing to wear." This is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses reminds the Israelites of God's provision, "He fed you with manna, which you did not know. Your clothing did not wear out on you, and your foot did not swell these forty years." (Deuteronomy 8:1-5) Speaking to the Jews, Jesus says, "Do not be anxious, saying 'what shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6: 25-34) Again, Paul says, "If we have food and clothing, with these, we shall be content." (1 Timothy 6:8)
I have loved this theme for many years. I have had nothing, and I have had plenty, but I have always had enough. My food may have been scarce and my clothes worn out, but God has always graciously supplied my basic needs. I want to point out that "and all these things will be added to you" are food and clothing. Sometimes, people quote that verse to talk about jobs, cars, spouses, and all manners of other things, but the context is food and clothing. Paul also mentions that he knows what it is to be well-fed and what it is to be hungry. What is it to be naked and what is it to be clothed? Even still, his confidence is in the Lord. It would do us well to put our confidence in the Lord God for all of our provision.
Jesus the ladder and God the faithful provider are two truths that I have carried with me since my youth and that I hope you will carry with you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Jesus is the only access point to the Father.
God is a faithful provider
DISCUSSION:
What, if anything, stood out to you today in the video? What thoughts were new or encouraging to you?
What do you make of Jacob's dream? Have you picked up the interpretation in John 1 before?
Why do you think our so-called "Christian" culture argues for multiple ways to salvation?
Do you find it easy or difficult to trust in God for your daily needs?
What steps might you need to take to put more confidence in God as a provider, not only of salvation but of our day-to-day needs?
What is a key takeaway from today's lesson you hope to hold on to?
PRAYER:
God, we know and proclaim that we have access to you through Jesus and we glorify you for it. We thank you that you are a trustworthy provider. Help us to put our confidence in you. As we have trusted you with our eternity, let us also trust you for the needs of today.
