JACOB'S THREE JOURNEYS
Text: Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob had many journeys and struggles in his
long and eventful life. From three Jacob’s journeys we would see the process of
a sinful life turned godly.
I.
FIRST JOURNEY TO BETHEL: A VISION OF GOD (Genesis 28:12-13)
A safe place, A place of healing,
restoration, A place where you and I receive and conceive what GOD has spoken.
It’s a place of strength and possibility, Jacob needed his own experience with
God to solidify his birthright and his blessing.
It was in that safe place where Jacob
got the perseverance, motivation, and confidence to wake up and move toward his
future
Bethel means “The House of God.”
Calling it , The gates of Heaven and a place where God dwells.
A truly godly life begins with a three-fold
vision of God.
Upward, Inward, Outward
Vision- upward to God, to worship & Exalt him. Vision - inward search or motives,
Vision= outward look on the multitudes, increasing.
II. JOURNEY TO PENIEL: AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD (Genesis 32:24-30)
Jacob had a personal encounter with
God at Peniel (“I have seen God face to face”). Whether you encounter Him on
the beach (Andrew & Peter), tax collection office (Matthew), the road to
Damascus (Paul), beside the well in Samaria (Samaritan woman), or at the altar
of the church... it is always a new and fresh start for an old life! Note the
change in name from Jacob (“supplanter”) to Israel (“prince of God”). In
troubled times do not forget your personal encounter with God for it will
strengthen you and help you realize that God is faithful and still very much
under control!
III. SECOND JOURNEY TO BETHEL: WORSHIP OF GOD (Genesis 35:1-3)
His first stay at Bethel and his stay
at Peniel were brief but his return to Bethel was to build an altar to worship
God and he was instructed “to dwell there.”
There is an end to our many “walks”
and travels in life. There comes a time in the life of the believer when he
finally finds rest and peace from God as he seek and do God’s will (cf. Prov.
13:15).
CONCLUSION: Life is a journey with
the Lord. How far have we gone? Where have our striving taken us? Our entire
life should be one continuous seeking of God’s will, worship experience, and
giving of praise to God for everything.
