March 3, 1998

Genesis 28: 10-22

God's Grace

The verses in Genesis tell us about Jacob, the youngest son of Isaac. Jacob used deception to receive his father's blessing, a blessing that was reserved for the - eldest son, Esau. Esau was angry when he learned Jacob had stolen his blessing and he threatened to kill Jacob. Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau urged Jacob to flee when she learned of Esau's threat,

Isaac sent Jacob to Rebekah's homeland. On his journey "he came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set." He fell asleep and dreamed of a ladder set upon earth that reached into heaven. He dreamed of angels ascending and descending the ladder.

My Study Bible indicates that the angels, "God's messengers, symbolize the constant, gracious activity of God directing the affairs of earth." They were sent by God to assure Jacob that he was in God's care. These verses remind us that God, who is gracious to us, will forgive us our sins.

Years ago I had a dream In which I was supposed to step across a line. I did not want to step across the line because I was not ready, I was not "good enough." When I awoke I felt the line was a symbolic line between life and death. I had not wanted to cross the line because I did not feel I was good enough to enter heaven. I also realized I could never, on my own, be worthy of heaven. Thanks be to God that we are not going to be judged on the basis of our personal goodness. God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. We are saved by grace, God's grace.

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Prayer: Thank you God for sending Christ to save us from our sins. Thank you for the grace you have given us. Thank you for accepting us as we are, even though we are not "good enough." Amen. [Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]