Called by God: Jacob

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived

“Then God said to Jacob, ‘Go up to Bethel, and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau.’” Genesis 35:1

Background
Jacob was the younger of two sons born to Isaac and Rebekah. One day Jacob tricked Esau into selling his birthright – his inheritance – for a bowl a stew. Esau later regretted his decision and wanted to kill his brother. At the urging of his mother, Jacob ran for his life to his Uncle Laban’s home far away.

While on the journey, Jacob fell asleep at a place called Luz, which later was renamed Bethel [“house of God”]. As he slept, Jacob saw a vision with angels ascending and descending a stairway to heaven. Then he saw the Lord who made a series of promises to Jacob:

  • To give Jacob and his descendants the land on which he was lying
  • To multiply the number of his descendants across the entire world
  • To watch over Jacob and his descendant

During his stay with his uncle, Jacob fell in love with Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel. But before he could marry Rachel, Jacob agreed to work for seven years. At the end of this time, his uncle tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, the eldest daughter. Consequently, Jacob worked another seven years before he married Rachel, too.

As he headed home, Jacob wrestled with a man. The Lord touched the socket of Jacob’s hip, wrenching his hip which caused Jacob to let go. Although Jacob received the Lord’s blessing, he thereafter walked with a limp. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel which means “struggles with God.”

Later, after reconciling with Esau, God gave Jacob his calling:

  • Go up to Bethel
  • Settle there
  • Build an altar there to God

Response
Jacob obeyed God, traveled to Bethel, built an altar to God, and stayed in the land.

Meaning

  • A calling contains at least two components …
  • GO    To Bethel
  • DO    Settle there and build an altar to God
  • God will bless you in your calling.
  • Sometimes your calling will include God’s promises.
  • Your calling will affect your family, as well as others.
  • Set up some type of symbolic reminder of your calling.

Summary
The same power that Jacob experienced is available to you through your obedience to Christ. Philippians 3:10 states, “I want to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection …”

Prayer
Lord, please tell me your calling for my life, and give me the power to fulfill it. Amen

© 2013 Designed to Serve

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.