Jacob's Dream

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind your dreams? Some appear like a wild conglomerate of emotions, people, struggles, occurrences or places with no meaning attached. Others seem detailed and vivid around a clear theme.

We might assign different meanings and significance to our dreams based on theoretical or cultural interpretations or even the stage of sleep we are experiencing when we awake. One thing is almost certain, the memory is fleeting, unless we wake during the dream and consciously try to recall the experience.

In Genesis 28:10-22, Jacob tells us about a dream. He was a weary traveler on the run from family issues and he stopped for the night to rest. The passage tells us that he rested his head upon a stone and fell into a dreamy sleep. In his dream Jacob saw a stairway to heaven, and angels were ascending and descending on it. Above this stairway stood the Lord, who said: “…I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac…(Genesis 28:13)”. The story continues as the Lord tells Jacob that his descendants will be many and receive many blessings. In fact, these blessings will be extended to all the people of the earth through Jacob and his offspring. The dream ended with a promise from the Lord to watch over Jacob and not leave him.

Jacob knew without a doubt that God was speaking to him in his dream and despite his failures, God had big plans for him. From that moment, Jacob changed his path and pledged to serve the Lord.

Just as dreams can be ascribed different meanings, there are various ways to interpret this passage from Genesis. However, it is evident, that we too are the recipients of God’s promise and blessing. We can experience this same assurance that Jacob received in his dream. The Lord watches over us and will not leave us if we turn our focus to God.

God is with us!

Prayer:

Dear God, Advent is a special time to reflect on your promise and prepare for the birth of Christ. It may not be in the form of a dream, but as surely as you spoke to Jacob, you speak to us. Help us to be still and listen!

About the Contributor:

Dr. Jennifer Parker is an elder and serves on the Local Mission and Worship committees.