Responding in the Flesh?

Sometimes people’s response to God is disappointing. That was so with Abraham’s grandson Jacob. While sleeping at Bethel, Jacob saw a ladder extending from earth to heaven with angels moving up and down. God spoke to Jacob in the dream—and blessed him by repeating the promises of Abraham. The land would be home for Jacob’s descendants—and they would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. . . . (Gen. 28:14b NKJV) Furthermore, God said, I am with you and will keep you. . . . (v. 15a)

Jacob knew the message came from God. He should have responded with gratitude and joy, but he didn’t. Although he set up an altar, his prayer was a bargain rather than a response of faith. He said, If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. (v. 20,21)

The interesting aspect of this is that God didn’t get angry. He understood. Jacob responded in the flesh because that was where he lived his daily life. It took years of God’s dealings with him before he would finally respond in obedience and faith.

Originally published May 8, 1992.