Wednesday 30 September 2015

Psalm: Psalm 100

  Background

Jacob's deception in chapter 27 has meant he needs to stay awayfrom his brother, and his parent's desire that he marry a girl fromwithin the family stock means that Jacob is travelling alone on ajourney to find a wife and a new life. When he settles down tosleep for the night, with his makeshift pillow, his life is at aturning point. In a strange dream, God seems to reveal to Jacob thepresent invisible reality of God's realm - he sees God's aides andagents (angels) going back and forth from heaven to conduct God'swork (on a sort of heavenly escalator). Uncertain of his life'spath, and probably reflecting on the actions that led to thisexile, the Lord gives Jacob the assurance that God is near him. Godis the God of Abraham and Isaac - reminding Jacob of his family,but also assuring him that this is no other random deity wanderingin the wilderness. God gives Jacob a promise, that echoes hisfather's blessing, and the promise of God to Abraham. Finally,Jacob is given the blessed assurance that God is truly with him,and will keep on being with him. Jacob declares that this place ofencounter is none other than the house of God and the gate ofheaven!

Once again, this seems odd to us, knowing the misdemeanours ofJacob's past. But what the Bible is keen to tell us is that 'Godbeing with us' is nothing to do with our righteousness orfaithfulness - rather it is confirmation of the righteousness andfaithfulness of God. If we are committed to God's plans and hiscovenant family, then God will not easily leave us or forsake us,though we might often fail. Assured of God's presence, Jacobresponds by renewing his own personal covenant with the Lord: toconfess that this is God, to worship, and to tithe.
 

To Ponder

• When have you felt assured that God was 'with you'?

• What do you make of the angels ascending and descending on theheavenly escalator? Do you dare to imagine that God has armies ofangels, unseen but very-much involved with the workings of thisworld?

• Jacob awoke and committed himself anew to God. How do yourespond to God's grace in your life?