Thoughts on the readings for January 16th (Genesis 28, 29, Psalm 33, Matthew 18)

In Genesis 28 we are told that Isaac in response to Rebekah’s entreaty sends Jacob to Haran to seek for a wife who is of the Abrahamic faith. The Abrahamic promises are given to Jacob in verses 3-4. Jacob took his journey in haste still worrying over Esau’s intention of killing his twin. Verses 6 to 9 tell us that Esau has not the faintest idea of what being a faithful believer means. He takes two more wives, who have descended from Ishmael. In verse 10 we are told of Jacob’s arrival at Bethel (“the house of God”); although referred to earlier in the record, it was most likely so named because of the incidents in this chapter. Jacob must have been wearied from his journey as he took a stone for a pillow; and dreamed of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven. There were angels on the ladder; and, we are told that they were first ascending, and secondly descending upon the ladder. Word order is critical to observe and carefully read in the Bible, as Hebrews 5 explains. If they ascend first that means they are already with Jacob to help him(see Hebrews 1:14). They go to heaven and return after having been instructed in what further aid is needed (Revelation 3:5). Verse 13 tells us that Yahweh (most likely Michael – the angel who bore the Name of his God) stood, as a caring supervisor of those providing the help, at the top of the ladder. All things associated with the salvation of His children are of God and from Him. Some people have mistakenly used this chapter to suggest that the text teaches “we go to heaven when we die”. In fact, it teaches the very opposite. The angels were with Jacob on earth providing him aid. Notice also in the words that immediately follow Jacob is promised the Land covenanted to Abraham and that through the seed of Jacob (the Lord Jesus Christ) blessing will come to all nations of this earth (the NT says the same, Romans verse 13). Next the Almighty offers to Jacob daily care and protection throughout his sojourn; until he returns to the Promised Land (verse 15). On awakening Jacob felt the awesomeness of the place, where he had slept; and reverentially names it “the House of God” (Bethel). He set up the stone upon which he had slept, and “anointed (Hebrew Massiah – i.e Christed it) the stone and declaring it to be the pillar of the house (Matthew 16 verses 16 to18 and 1 Corinthians 3 verses 11, 16 and 17 Ephesians 2 verses 11to 22, please read them slowly and consider carefully. This is the first use of “anointing” in the Bible. In acknowledgment of the overshadowing care of the Almighty and the promise of inheritance and providence of the LORD Jacob promises to give a tenth of all (a tithe) back to his Sovereign to show that all we receive is a blessing, of which we are unworthy, from the Father.