God’s Guiding Word: Promise

June 8

Introduction

Genesis 28:10–22: Today’s reading begins the travel narrative of Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebecca and grandson of Abraham and Sarah. Jacob’s mother had sent him away to avoid his brother Esau’s wrath (see Genesis 27:41–45). In a dream, Jacob encounters God, who reiterates the promise made to Jacob’s ancestors, Abraham and Isaac.

Today’s Key Verse: Genesis 28:13b

“I am the LORD, the God of Abraham and Isaac,” he said, “I will give to you and to your descendants this land on which you are lying.”

Reading

¹⁰ Jacob left Beersheba and started toward Haran. ¹¹ At sunset he came to a holy place and camped there. He lay down to sleep, resting his head on a stone. ¹² He dreamed that he saw a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and coming down on it. ¹³ And there was the Lord standing beside him. “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham and Isaac,” he said. “I will give to you and to your descendants this land on which you are lying. ¹⁴ They will be as numerous as the specks of dust on the earth. They will extend their territory in all directions, and through you and your descendants I will bless all the nations. ¹⁵ Remember, I will be with you and protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done all that I have promised you.”

¹⁶ Jacob woke up and said, “The Lord is here! He is in this place, and I didn’t know it!” ¹⁷ He was afraid and said, “What a terrifying place this is! It must be the house of God; it must be the gate that opens into heaven.”

¹⁸ Jacob got up early next morning, took the stone that was under his head, and set it up as a memorial. Then he poured olive oil on it to dedicate it to God. ¹⁹ He named the place Bethel. (The town there was once known as Luz.) ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow to the Lord: “If you will be with me and protect me on the journey I am making and give me food and clothing, ²¹ and if I return safely to my father’s home, then you will be my God. ²² This memorial stone which I have set up will be the place where you are worshiped, and I will give you a tenth of everything you give me.”

Reflect

What was Jacob’s dream? Reread verses 13–15. What promise did God make to Jacob? What was Jacob’s vow to the LORD (verses 20–21)? Jacob renamed the town Bethel (verse 19), which in Hebrew means “House of God”—beth (house), el (God). What did Jacob dedicate to God (verses 18–22)? What dedications to God take place within your community of faith?

Pray

Holy God, you are the God of promise and you are always with me wherever I go. I seek to serve you faithfully and I praise you for your everlasting goodness and mercy. May all I do and say this day be in accord with your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Genesis 35:1–15: God blesses and renames Jacob at Bethel.