“When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Your brother Esau is planning to avenge himself by killing you. 43 Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. 44 Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides.” Genesis 27:42-44
“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 and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.” Genesis 28:11-14
“When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”” Genesis 28:16,17
God of encounters,
We worship You today because You did not stay hidden, apart and withdraw from Your rebellious creation. You remained and used angels, dreams, and theophanies (visible signs of Your presence, like Moses burning, unburning bush). You spoke to individuals like Abraham, Jacob, Moses. – until You sent Jesus and spoke to the world.
Jacob, was not the kind of man we would imagine You choosing! He used his mothers schemes to steal a blessing. He lied to his father. He cheated his brother. But Jacob had his encounter in a dream. He realised that You, the God of Abraham (his grandfather) and Isaac (his father) was real. He did nothing to earn it. We all need our own encounter.
To know You Jesus, is to know You Father. It is life changing. That you want to know us, just as we are and imperfect, is miraculous. That You want to have fellowship with us, not at a remote fixed place with a ladder, but right here, now is a miracle of grace.
Thank You, that encountering You gives us a new start, a clean sheet, daily blessings and Your forever presence. Help us to walk, trust and know we are loved by You. So like Jacob we can change from sinner to child of God. Wise as serpents, but gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16)
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God of encounters,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Love those we love and care for with blessings and all they need today.
For churches as they prepare advent services and carol services for those who will come at this season. Pray seeds of faith will be sown and take root.
For our Government, for the country to come first in all the think, say and do.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families and a coming together in joy and harmony.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a sudden miraculous way forward to the end of hostilities.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to war, and soon.
For all those who need to know they are loved with Your everlasting, unfailing love today.
For all those who delivering help and aid in difficult times, war zones and places where there is famine, flood or poverty.
For all those planning Christmas meals and food for those struggling. Christmas presents where they may not be any.
For ourselves, that we my know Your glorious presence with us throughout the day and through the night.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 9th December 2023
Faithful one, so unchanging
Ageless one, you’re my rock of peace
Lord of all I depend on you
I call out to you, again and again
I call out to you, again and again
You are my rock in times of trouble
You lift me up when I fall down
All through the storm
Your love is, the anchor
My hope is in You alone
Brian Doerkson
CD Brian Doerkson, You Shine, Integrity.