Encountering God in the Wilderness – Genesis 28

“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.“ These words from Genesis 28:16 capture the profound truth of Jacob’s life-altering encounter with God. As we delve into this biblical narrative, we are invited to reflect on the wilderness moments in our own lives—those times of uncertainty, loneliness, and searching—and how God meets us in those places, often in unexpected ways.

In Pastor Stalnaker’s sermon, “Encountering God in the Wilderness – Genesis 28,” we explore how Jacob, an imperfect man with a complicated past, discovers God’s presence and promises in the midst of his solitude and fear. This passage from Genesis offers us not just a glimpse into Jacob’s journey but also valuable lessons about our own spiritual walk.

The Context: Jacob’s Journey

Jacob’s journey begins with leaving the familiar behind—his home, his parents, and the comforts of his past. Sent by his father, Isaac, to find a wife from his mother’s family, Jacob embarks on a long and uncertain journey toward his uncle’s house, about 500 miles away. Alone, without servants or companions, Jacob finds himself in a wilderness, both physically and spiritually.

As we reflect on this part of the story, we might ask ourselves: How do we handle the wilderness moments in our lives? When we face uncertainty or fear, do we retreat into isolation, or do we open our hearts to the possibility of encountering God in those moments?

God Reveals Himself to Imperfect People

One of the most comforting truths in this passage is that God reveals Himself to imperfect people. Jacob was far from perfect—he had deceived his father and cheated his brother, Esau, who now wanted to kill him. Yet, it is in this state of brokenness and vulnerability that God chooses to reveal Himself to Jacob.

In a dream, Jacob sees a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. At the top of the ladder stands the Lord, who speaks to Jacob, reaffirming the promises made to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. God’s message to Jacob is clear: despite your imperfections, I am with you, and I have a plan for you.

For us, this is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is not reserved for the perfect. Do we sometimes feel unworthy of God’s love or unsure of His presence because of our past mistakes? Jacob’s story reassures us that God meets us where we are, regardless of our imperfections.

God’s Assurances to Jacob

As Jacob lies on the ground, with only a stone for a pillow, he receives incredible assurances from God. The Lord promises to give him the land on which he lies, to make his descendants numerous, and to bless all the families of the earth through them. Moreover, God promises to be with Jacob, to protect him, and to bring him back to this land.

These divine assurances are not just for Jacob—they extend to us as well. What promises from God do we need to hold onto in our wilderness experiences? God’s faithfulness to Jacob is a reminder that He will also be faithful to us, guiding us, protecting us, and fulfilling His purposes in our lives.

Responding to God’s Grace

Jacob’s response to this encounter with God is one of awe and commitment. He recognizes the holiness of the place and the significance of what has happened, declaring, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17). He then sets up the stone he slept on as a pillar, pouring oil on it, and makes a vow to God.

In this moment, Jacob’s life takes a new direction. He goes from being a man on the run to someone who has encountered the living God and is forever changed by it. How do we respond when we encounter God in our own lives? Do we, like Jacob, recognize the significance of these moments and commit ourselves to following God more closely?

Questions for Reflection

As we consider the lessons from Genesis 28 and Pastor Stalnaker’s sermon, here are some questions to think about:

Have you ever experienced a “wilderness” moment in your life? How did you see God’s presence in that time?
In what ways do you feel unworthy of God’s grace, and how does Jacob’s story challenge that feeling?
What promises from God do you need to hold onto today? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness?
When was the last time you were in awe of God’s presence? How can you cultivate a greater sense of reverence in your daily life?
How are you responding to God’s grace in your life right now? Are there commitments you need to make or actions you need to take?

Conclusion: Trusting in God’s Faithfulness

Jacob’s encounter with God in the wilderness teaches us that our imperfections do not disqualify us from God’s grace. In fact, it is often in our weakest moments that God reveals Himself most powerfully. As we journey through life’s wildernesses, may we, like Jacob, be open to encountering God in unexpected ways. May we trust in His promises, and respond to His grace with awe and commitment.

In closing, let us remember the assurance that God gave to Jacob: “I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:15). This is the same promise that God extends to us today. No matter what we are facing, God is with us, guiding us, protecting us, and fulfilling His purposes in our lives.