I Am the God of Bethel

A stone pillow seems unlikely to yield a dream. But a man who was journeying did have a dream while he rested his head on it when the sun had set. He saw a stairway resting on the earth with its top reaching to heaven. The angels of God were going up and down on it.

Above it stood God. And God spoke to him words of reassurance saying, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and . . . I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

The drama of such moments have a lifelong impact. At such crossroads of life, Time freezes; and memory takes a snapshot that almost breathes life every time you take a look at it. Each person is gifted with at least one such frame of the gate of heaven open.

It is a wiping away of the dust that has gathered over the memory of such moments that is needed for you today; especially when hope seems to be buried under the shadows. Think! Was there not a time when God seemed near? Was there not a time when your prayers came back with the assurance that God had heard and answered?

Unlike popular beliefs, God often comes near to us in the very ordinary experience of life-in the kitchen, in the classroom, in the playground, when we watch a movie or chat with friends, or take a walk on the beach. That is what Jacob, the man who had the dream, found out. He was fleeing from his brother, and when he reached a certain place he stopped for the night because the sun had set.

Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head as a pillow and lay down to sleep. In that ordinary circumstance of life, he was very much alone. Yet in that very ordinary setting he had one of the grandest dreams ever granted to mortal man!

But that was not all. Whenever this man Jacob was discouraged, God reminded him of that night’s encounter time and again; and assured him of the earlier promise made to him. We too need reminders of God’s love and care often; don’t we?

Yes, we too need to be reminded that God never forgets to fulfil what he promises to do! Therefore do not doubt when you hear him say, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” What a comfort to know; even when others forget, God remembers!

Above all, the ladder the man saw in his dream represented none else than the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who said, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Surely this stairway is the bridge between heaven and earth, between God and man. Wherever this ladder rests, that place becomes the house of God. There angels attend in joyful assembly and you are remembered by God!

Read more: I am the God of Bethel (Genesis 31:13a NIV).

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