Mid-week Lent #2
February 25, 2015
Genesis 28:10-17
The Attitude of Suffering
“Surprised By God”
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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.
“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}
Words –350
Passive Sentences -0%
Readability – 85%
Reading Level -3.8
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