Daily Devotions based the Sermon from February 28, 2021
THIS WEEK: Lead Me to the Cross…See the Ladder…Find God & His Promises!
“You’re going with me, right dad?”
Every child when trying something new and potentially scary or dangerous desires someone who they trust and can help them to be with them or go with them.
Our journey through life is no different as adults.
While we may verbalize our staunch independence and ability to navigate life on our own, we find ourselves at times like the three-year old that is scared and wants dad to be with them and help them.
God promises to be that perfect dad.
Jacob was on the run. He was all alone to face whatever was ahead of him. While he knew where he was headed, there were many unknowns along the way. He had left his mother and father and his brother behind. We have little indication he had someone with him on the journey to his Uncle Laban. So if I were Jacob, that first night on the road all alone under the darkness of the sky would have felt like a time to be the three-year old and wish for dad to be there to be with me and then go with me.
In Jacob’s dream of the ladder, God shows up to assure Jacob of that very thing:
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go (Genesis 28:15).
Like a protective Father, God was there for Jacob…even when he didn’t realize he was there. Like a child who doesn’t realize dad is close by, so God was there with Jacob even when he didn’t realize it.
Jacob is not the only one who receives these promises from the Lord.
Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20 “…surely I am with your always, to the very end of the age.” Consider the words of the psalmist, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). These are only two iterations of this same promise God gave to Jacob: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”
How does this play out in your life?
Starting a new job that is challenging and a bit intimidating? “I am with you…”
Just received a diagnosis of an illness that is uncertain to its cure? “I will watch over you…”
Moving to a new state away from family and friends? “…wherever you go.”
God’s promises to you are real and certain. We can sleep well at night knowing the LORD IS with us. We can get up and move forward with our day knowing the LORD will watch over us wherever we go!
Apply: Start your days with this word of promise and reality from God, “(your name), I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” – The LORD.
PRAYER: Lord thank you for always being with me and watching over me. AMEN.