Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 28 and Luke 1.
In Genesis 28, the first book of the Bible begins to follow Jacob. Abraham, Jacob’s grandfather, was the main character in Genesis 12-23. Isaac, Jacob’s father, was the main character in Genesis 24-27. Now, in Genesis 28 and beyond, the narrative follows the life of Jacob.
Genesis 28 details an incredible dream in which God declares to Jacob,
“I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Gen 28:13-15)
The next morning,
Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God…” (Gen 28:20-21)
The next several chapters of Genesis document the growth of Jacob–from “my forefathers worshiped the LORD,” to “the LORD has appeared to me,” to finally “the LORD is my God.”
Have you made that step of spiritual maturity? Many of us were blessed with parents and grandparents who have walked with God. Maybe you’ve been brought to assemblies of worship to God since you were a child. But have you personally made the step wherein you say with full and unashamed confidence, “the LORD is my God”?
If not, what’s standing in your way? Isn’t it time? Maybe this weekend is the weekend you personally run to him–though you’ve heard about him for many years–and finally embrace him as your Rock, your Redeemer, and your greatest Treasure.