Day 34 – Jacob & the Ladder

• Today’s readings interject the two passages we read on Saturday, so let’s set the scene again. Isaac has two sons, Jacob and Esau. Esau was the oldest and should have received the blessing from his father, but through Rebekah and Jacob’s scheming, Jacob received the blessing instead, just as God has foreknown. In the aftermath of all that, Esau is pretty angry with his brother and Jacob travels a long way away. Today’s chapter in Genesis shows us what happened on his journey. All this happened before he married Rachel (and her sister Leah!)
• In verses 1-5 of Genesis 28, we read how Jacob travelled a long way to find himself a wife. Who was he to go and stay with? Do you think Rebekah had a hand in having her favourite son Jacob sent away to keep him safe?
• In verse 10, we come to the main story in today’s readings – Jacob’s dream. On his way to the town of Haran, what happens? What did Jacob dream about while he slept on the stone pillow?
• What did God promise Jacob? What do you think the image of the ladder (or stairs) meant?
• Can you think of any promises God has made to you? Does God ever forget his promises?
• What promise did Jacob make to God? What sign did he leave to show this promise?
• Have you ever promised God anything? Did you keep that promise? Think hard about the promises you made to God just yesterday in church, perhaps.
• Is God currently Jacob’s God or his father’s God? What I mean is – does Jacob love God because he truly knows God or because he has been brought up to know God? Do you think his words in verse 20 show a complete trust in God?
• How about you? Is God your God or more of your parents’ God? Could you give your testimony (the message of how you became a Christian) to someone clearly and confidently?
• You’ll have read in today’s New Testament passage that Jesus referred to Jacob’s dream in his teaching. When he says that “you will see the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man”, he’s putting himself in the place of the ladder. Think carefully – what does this mean? What’s Jesus telling the disciples? 

If you’re feeling brave, you could share your testimony with the group using the WhatsApp chat. How did you become a Christian? When did it happen, and how has it changed you, and have you deepened your love for Christ since? Or have you started this reading plan because you’re worried that your Christian faith is rather fragile, and you’re hoping it will deepen through study and understanding?

If that is too personal for general sharing, perhaps share it with a friend instead, or pray about it in your quiet time.

Don’t end your readings today without being clear the point Jesus is making in his words in the book of John. Access to Heaven, and being part of God’s family, is through Him and Him alone. He is the ladder that bridges the gulf between a perfect Father and sinful man – a much better ladder that is totally trustworthy and stable. Trust in Him, and Him only!