Heaven’s Gate Jacob’s Deal Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate Jacob’s Deal 1

Psalm 139:7-10 (NASB) 7  Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8  If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9  If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10  Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate Between a rock and a hard place Jacob travels a tenth of his journey. Jacob finds himself outside Luz where Abraham had built an altar – Genesis 12:8. Could this be a stone from this very altar? Many have seen angels – Hebrews 12:22 – but … 2

Hebrews 12:22 (NASB) Hebrews 1:14 (NASB) 22  But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, Hebrews 1:14 (NASB) 14  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate Between a rock and a hard place Jacob travels a tenth of his journey. Jacob finds himself outside Luz where Abraham had built an altar – Genesis 12:8. Could this be a stone from this very altar? Many have seen angels – Hebrews 12:22 – but … Jacob saw many angels that night to assure him that he was not alone. 2

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate God’s blessing Jacob had plotted and deceived Isaac for God’s blessing. Now, God gives this very blessing to Jacob! Four elements of this blessing for Jacob Alone – the promise of God’s presence Impoverished – the promise of God’s provision Dishonored – the promise of blessing thru him Out of his realm – the promise of return – Matthew 28:20 3

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate Heavens opened – John 1:45-51

John 1:45-51 (NASB) 45  Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46  Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47  Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”

48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me 48  Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49  Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50  Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51  And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate Heavens opened – John 1:45-51 Nathanael was most likely meditating on this passage in Genesis. Jesus is probably referring to His second coming – Matthew 16:27. 4

Matthew 16:27 (NASB) 27  For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Heaven’s Gate Heavens opened – John 1:45-51 Nathanael was most likely meditating on this passage in Genesis. Jesus is probably referring to His second coming – Matthew 16:27. Jesus clearly applies the image of this heavenly stairway to Himself. Jesus is the bridge or stairway that Jacob sees as an encouragement from the Lord. 4

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Jacob’s Deal Biblical view of vows – first vow in Bible Good Old Testament examples: Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:11; Nazarite vows of Num. 6, 30 Bad Old Testament examples: Jephthah in Judges 11:31; Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:7-12 New Testament – James 5:12 5

James 5:12 (NASB) 12  But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Jacob’s Deal Biblical view of vows – first vow in Bible Good Old Testament examples: Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:11; Nazarite vows of Num. 6, 30 Bad Old Testament examples: Jephthah in Judges 11:31; Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:7-12 New Testament – James 5:12 A vow is a solemn promise to behave in a certain way, to perform a certain act, to achieve some goal, or to make a certain gift. Notice this is a man-centered ability! 5

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Jacob’s Deal The first vow Some view this as Jacob’s conversion and a proper response to God. Some view this as Jacob trying to manipulate God. Some view this as a legitimate vow but a weakness in Jacob. 6

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Jacob’s Deal Strengths Weaknesses Jacob recognized God’s presence. There was wonder in this. Jacob recognized a need for a response. Weaknesses Jacob was focused on the place. Jacob was not conscious of his sin. 7

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Jacob’s Deal The shortcomings of Jacob’s vow The focus is on Jacob and not on God. God says, “Myself … the land … the descendants … the Messiah.” Jacob says, “Me … food … clothing … safety.” The implied doubt of God – “If” The focus is on immediate needs. Jacob needed something more than God’s Word. Jacob is trying to nail God down. 8

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Jacob’s Deal The shortcomings of Jacob’s vow Jacob attempts to bargain with God. Who is in control here? Jacob wants to be in the driver’s seat. This is not faith before the fact but fact before faith – religion instead of relationship! Jacob is stingy with his terms. God, you can be my God. God, this stone can be your house. God, you can have a tenth of what you bless me. 9

Where Can I Go? Genesis 28 Application Do you operate under a faith that believes God will always meet you where you are? Is your relationship with God one of faith before fact or fact before faith? In what areas of your relationship with God are you bargaining with Him? 10