Mid-week Lent 2

Midweek Lenten Service 2 Noon

March 15, 2000  

Genesis 28:10-17 

“Surprised by God”

INTRODUCTION:  Jacob was surprised that God was present. He thought he was alone and far from God because God, he thought, was restricted to his geographical area. Are we surprised to find God in places other than in a church?  Would you be surprised to find God in a cocktail lounge, in a jail, in nature, in a hospital?  God comes to people wherever they are in need, regardless of the place.

When God comes to you…

1.                 Be aware of His presence v. 16  “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."

A.    God is truly with us always! I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.  I am with you always.

            B.      Especially at those times when we did not expect it or recognize

God’s presence in our lives.  He comes in Word & Sacrament to sustain and forgive.

2.                 Be reverent v. 17 “And he was afraid and said, How awesome is this place!”

A.    Are we respectful of the holy?  What is our reaction once we have encountered God? Are we changed? Are we different?

B.      This was a life changing moment for Jacob.  What are those life-changing moments in our lives? They ought to be awesome for us as they were for him.

3.                 Be cognizant of its significance v. 17 “ This is the house of God… the gate of heaven”

A.    Jacob grasped what God was doing in his life. He would never be the same.

B.      Likewise, in those encounters with God may we walk away changed and different people.

Conclusion:  “Let us ever walk with Jesus, Follow His example pure

Flee the world which would deceive us, And to sin our souls allure.

Ever in His footsteps treading, Body here, yet soul above.

Full of faith and hope and love, Let us do the Father’s bidding,

Faithful Lord, abide with me; Savior, lead, I follow Thee. {TLH #409 stanza 1}