Genesis: The Story of God's FaithfulnessShembull

CONNECTING WITH GOD 

Listen to the audio guide to hear the complete devotional with Scripture, teaching and a worship song! Find a condensed, written version of this devotional below: 

When we struggle with things like fear, discouragement or loneliness, we often turn to things that don’t really help like social media, food or entertainment. Knowing what we really need, God meets us in our struggle, offering us himself instead. In this narrative, we see God meeting Jacob’s need by initiating connection. 

The passage we just read is an account of a dream Jacob has. In his dream, Jacob sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, and angels are going up and down this ladder. God is standing at the top of the ladder, and he reiterates the promise of land, offspring and blessing to all the nations through his people. Then, God promises Jacob that he will be with him and keep him wherever he goes. 

God identifies himself as “The Lord” and “The God of Jacob’s Fathers.” This conveys to Jacob that he is connecting with the one true God who has been sovereignly working throughout history. This self-revelation inspires Jacob to faith. Then, God’s reiteration of his covenant promises likewise inspires Jacob because it reminds him of the compelling mission God has called him to. God is forming Jacob and his descendants into a people that will bring blessing to the whole world! And finally, God’s assurance that he will be with Jacob and keep him safe inspires Jacob because God is expressing a personal commitment to him. Jacob has the devoted care of the God of the universe. 

In an even greater way, connection with God through Jesus also inspires faith in us like it did in Jacob. We have God’s complete self-revelation in Jesus as the one true God who has been sovereignly working throughout history. This gives us confidence! In Jesus, we also receive God’s covenant promises. He has called us, his people, into his compelling mission, and he promises to make us a vessel for restoration and blessing to the world. This gives us purpose! And finally, in Jesus, we receive God’s assurance. We have the personal and devoted care of the God of the universe, a reality that gives us peace and comfort. 

REFLECT: Which aspect of your connection with God through Jesus stands out to you the most:  

• God’s self-revelation as the one true God in control of everything  
• God’s promise to make us into a people that will bring blessing and restoration to the World  
• God’s assurance that he is personally devoted to and committed to you

What specific circumstance in your life can you apply this aspect to?