December 7 – Icon: Ladder and Angels, Jacob’s story

Rivalries run thick through Jacob’s story. There’s the rivalry between him and his twin brother to secure the affection and blessing of their father Isaac. There’s another rivalry between Jacob’s wives: Rachel and Leah, who were also sisters, to keep or win Jacob’s devotion. And there’s also a rivalry between Jacob and Laban his uncle, which seems to be about who’s in charge and who’s more shrewd. These are complex stories and it’s easy to get lost in them – kind of like we get lost in our own stories, forgetting what God said in the first place, chasing, striving, performing, scheming — caught up in “get more, have more”. Well, here’s what was said when God broke into Jacob’s dreams and spoke to him directly(Genesis 28).

I am the LORD, the God
of your father, and grandfather.
The promise I made to them
I extend to you – on this land
you will flourish. I will provide.
And I will be with you
and will keep you
and will not leave you
while I’m proving
my promise to you.

I will be with you. This is the same promise that comes to us in Jesus, who bears this as his name, Immanuel, which means “God with us.” God says, come to me first, and watch me take care of of you. Same name, same message, two thousand years later — still declaring, still pursuing, coming nearer and nearer, proving the promise.