CAN WE DEPEND ON GOD?
September 2, 2012 Jay Robison GEN 28:10-17 PS 91:1-11
Though he’s remembered as hero, Jacob was surely a scoundrel
He was not kind of person you’d want to go in business with
Or the kind of man you’d want to marry your sister
Jacob=heal grabber one who wanted to get ahead from womb
Born grabbing heal of older twin Esau to get out first
Swindled birthright from his brother for pot of stew
Deceived his father into thinking he was Esau oldest boy
Wanted father’s blessing more than anything and he got it
As is case with all who get ahead at all costs He was clever,
with quick mind, successful and great talker but in Gen 28
see something else about Jacob longs for more than material
We are invited into intimate scene from Jacob’s life
He is missing something, $$ and his wits could not supply
Missing peace of mind
No matter how much he has still feels unlovable
Jacob’s life was out of control many people feel that way
He is alone estranged from his family left father’s death bed,
conspired with mom to cheat brother is threatening to kill him
He is carrying guilt, life falling in on him
Read that Jacob was between two cities he is nowhere
Shakespeare being banished is a fate worse than death
Jacob thought being on run only hope for survival
Can we depend on God when we’ve made mess of life
Because we all feel life is a mess sometimes
1. We can depend on fact that God is present
Greatest surprise in story was he could sleep w\stone pillow
Every sound in wilderness represented a threat could be Esau
If you love $$ more than people sooner or later will be alone
While asleep has dream angels are moving up & down ladder
Ziggaurat ANE folks built ramp\staircase to get God here
Ancient religions had highly developed realm of angels
Christians recognize angels as messengers of God
Message to J from God is I am here, know your life situation
God is committed to empty handed fugitive
Creates wonder shock and amazement
Note J’s response when wakes up Surely the presence of Lord
in this place & did not know it confidence hope surge
God’s presence changes everything, now he is somewhere
We may miss God’s presence does not mean God absent
Biblical message from beginning to end; God is with us
Genesis God as creator, prophets law on inward parts
To ultimate revelation Jesus Immanuel God with us
Hell is to be banished from the presence of God
Could have happened to Jacob loneliness was unbearable
Not to late God still present & will be forever reach to God
When enter worship reminded of the presence of god with us
God has not thrown in the towel world is not Godforsaken
We do not have to do it alone
God is with us today
God’s presence in our lives changes everything!
2. We can depend on God’s promises
God renews Abraham covenant with Jacob Vs 14
Jacob the scoundrel crook rogue and rascal
God says my word is still good
Still doesn’t seem fair Esau eldest good to family not chosen
In reality none of us are worthy of being used by God
God’s promises do not depend on us they depend on God
Up to us to take God’s word for it
Vs 15 God says I will not leave you until I have done
What I have promised you
In other words god’s promises do not depend on us
Our feelings or approach, depend on God
Consider some of God’s promises today
All things Work together for Good to those who love God…
What shall separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus...
For we know that if this earthly tent is destroyed have house...
In all your ways acknowledge God he will direct your path…
I if I be lifted up will draw all people to me
Give and it will be given to you pressed down running over
For God to loved the world that gave only begotten son
So that whosoever believes in him should not perish
These promises are given as foundation to relationship
With God from here on
3. We can depend on God’s provision beautiful Psalm
Those who live in shelter of Most high means hiding place
Of the almighty god is close and near to us
We are hidden beneath the shelter of God’s wings
National Geographic had illustration of this several years ago
After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park rangers
Trekked up a mountain to assess the inferno’s damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched
Like a statues on the ground at the base of a tree.
Sickened by eerie sight, he knocked over bird with a stick
When he hit it, 3 tiny chicks scurried from under their dead
mother’s wings. Mother, aware of impending disaster,
carried offspring to base of tree gathered them under wings,
could have flown to safety but refused to abandon her babies.
When the blaze had arrived & heat had singed her small body,
the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been
willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.
Image of God’s protection over us
1000 fall at one side 10000 at other no evil fall on you vs 7
How many of you here have ever had evil happen to you?
Even after you came to follow God?
Of course church history littered with martyrs for faith
So does that mean verse not true?
Could be referring to one event or battle
Vs 9-10 as we make the Lord our refuge no evil befalls us
That God cannot or will not heal one day
God’s miracles of protection & power to keep people of God
in the face of great difficulties are seen throughout the Bible
Paul talks about the blessing of suffering for Christ
In other words God can redeem our facing evil
As we God and trust God in every situation & circumstance.
The Will of God never takes you to where
the Grace of God will not protect you.
Listen Ps 91:11 For He shall give His angels charge over you
To keep you in all your ways. You who sit down in the
High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Interesting to note what Jacob did after his dream
He made where he was a holy place vs 18
Called it bethel or house of God Vs 19
Helmut Thielicke students writing him as soldiers in WW II
Common theme I am exhausted from marching
Stomach empty, Russian winter is biting, I am starving
No time for reflection spiritual life ruined How to reply
Be thankful the gospel is more than philosophy, if philosophy
Have it as long as you could keep it in mind & could comfort
But remember our faith is more than a philosophy
Even when you can no longer think about God
God still thinks about you
In uncertain times can we depend on God?
God is still present, promises to build life on
God provides a way for us through the darknes
