MODEL OF IMPACT BY DIVINE ENCOUNTER

“Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven…” – Genesis 28:12a

Jacob, though flawed, represents a powerful MODEL of IMPACT by DIVINE ENCOUNTER: “Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it” (Gen.28:12). Jacob's divine encounter at Bethel transformed him from a deceiver to a believer, signifying the power of a personal encounter with God to shape character and influence future generations. God's promise of blessings, protection, and a great posterity, strengthened with the vision of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, created a model of impact that echoes throughout scripture. His was the case of meeting God on the Run, and becoming the Man God Mastered!

Before this encounter, Jacob was known for his sly and deceit, stealing his brother Esau's birthright (Gen.25: 29-34). The young man had a bright future, according to his parents – even a divinely blessed destiny. One day however, in self-pursuit of that destiny, he ripped off his older brother, cunningly stealing away his special birthright. On another day, with the help of his mother, he deceived his godly old father and stole his brother’s firstborn rights, who learning of the treachery, was enraged, and determined to kill him. The parents initially harbored him, then urged him to flee, to take a journey on foot to a faraway relative to find refuge. Fearful, and with no other options, he embarked on the trip, but Mercy met with and changed him!

The Bethel encounter, where Jacob dreamed of a ladder, was his unique turning point. The vision of the ladder, with angels ascending and descending, signifies the intimate connection between heaven and earth, emphasizing that even in Jacob's most challenging moments, lying with a stone as his pillow and being on the run from Esau, God's Presence was available (vv.11-12). The meeting came with God’s express promise (vv.13-15). And it became a catalyst for Jacob's spiritual growth and commitment to serve God, as he recognized the place as God's house and vowed to be faithful to God (vv.16-22)

Jacob's story was not just an isolated personal transformation. It had far-reaching implications for his descendants. God's promise that his seed would be as numerous as the dust of the earth and that all families would be blessed through him underscores the enduring impact of divine encounters. This promise was fulfilled as Jacob became the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel, the foundational ancestry of the Hebrews. His story offers a model for individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God. It highlights the transformative power of a personal encounter with the divine, encouraging those who would embrace God's promises and trust in His plan for their lives. Let's remember: Intimacy is the Root of Impact!