AWARE OF GOD’S PRESENCE
Looking at pictures of our experience in Alaska versus being there to experience Alaska is a huge difference. In person, you see the beauty, hear the sounds, smell the fresh air, and stand in awe of the majestic landscape before you. It’s hard to explain unless you go for yourself. The same goes for experiencing the presence of God. It’s hard to explain unless you experience Him for yourself.
What would you expect to feel or notice if you experienced the tangible presence of God? Do you think you would immediately recognize His presence? What if God showed up in more than one way? What if God was already there but you never noticed? Feeling God’s presence is wonderful, but that’s not always the case. And if Jacob were here, he would tell you his story, but we get to read about it today…
SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 28:10-22
Context Observations:
Isaac, son of Abraham and Rebekah, had twins. Before birth, the twins struggled in the womb, prompting Rebekah to seek God’s counsel. The Lord revealed that her sons would become rival nations, the younger ultimately prevailing over the older (Gen 25:19-34). As they grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter and outdoorsman while Jacob preferred domestic life around the home. Isaac favored Esau for his hunting skills, but Rebekah loved Jacob (Gen 25:19-34). This unhealthy allegiance created disunity within the household. The tension crystallized when Jacob, cooking stew, encountered a famished Esau returning from hunting and proposed a transaction: Esau’s birthright in exchange for food. Esau, claiming starvation, swore an oath surrendering his firstborn rights (Gen 25:19-34). Years passed until Isaac, now elderly and blind, summoned Esau to hunt game and prepare his favorite meal, promising to pass on the patriarchal blessing before death. Rebekah overheard this plan and instructed Jacob to fetch a couple of goats, which she would prepare and serve while Jacob impersonated his brother to receive the blessing. Jacob complied. Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covered his skin with goat hide to deceive Isaac (Gen 26:34-28:9). The plan worked. Jacob received the blessing intended for Esau. The consequence was catastrophic: Esau resolved to kill his brother. Jacob fled Beersheba toward Haran (Gen 28:10-22). It is in this tense, spiritually and emotionally fractured state that Jacob experiences God.
OBSERVATIONS
V. 10-12
Jacob is not looking for God; he’s looking for a place to rest after fleeing an angry brother who wants to kill him. He finds a good place to stop. NIV says, "a certain place,” implying nothing spectacular…just a suitable place to get a good night's sleep.
Jacob finds an extra firm pillow, a stone (not sure how the sleep was any good).
Completely unguarded in his sleep, God shows up to Jacob in a dream.
Jacob dreams of a stairway that extends from earth to heaven. On this stairway are angels descending and ascending. This has been called Jacob’s ladder.
Jacob’s stairway, mounted only by an angelic cast, is the means of a gracious revelation from heaven. The “stairway” (sullām) connecting earth and heaven signifies divine presence and mediation. Mathews, K. A. (2005).Genesis 11:27–50:26 (Vol. 1B, p. 449). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
In Genesis, “angels” (malʾākîm) deliver divine communications, or they accompany a message delivered by the Lord (e.g., 16:7–11; 19:1, 15; 21:17; 22:11, 15; 31:11–13; 32:1[2]). Here the angels do not speak, and therefore Jacob’s encounter is direct with God, like the epiphanies to Abraham and Isaac. Mathews, K. A. (2005).Genesis 11:27–50:26 (Vol. 1B, p. 450). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
V. 13-15
At the top of the ladder or stairway stood the Lord.
At the top of the ladder or stairway stood the Lord. The Lord spoke and reiterated the Abrahamic covenant. God promised a fruitful, thriving land, a great nation with numerous descendants, and to be His God.
God is promising to extend this covenant to Jacob. This is shocking, taking into consideration the deception Jacob and his mother just pulled off.
Jacob’s name means “heel” because he held onto his brother's heel as they were being born. But his name also means “supplanter” or “deceiver.”
Jacob became a symbol of the sovereign grace of God in more ways than one. He was an example of a scoundrel who was loved by God. “I have loved Jacob” (Mal. 1:2; see Rom. 9:13). There was absolutely nothing in Jacob that deserved to be loved by God. He had done everything wrong. He knew it and was running scared. The last thing he expected was for God to show up and then reveal wonderful plans for Jacob. -Kendall, R.T.. The Presence of God: Discovering God's Ways Through Intimacy With Him (p. 12). (Function). Kindle Edition.
The Lord goes as far as reassuring Jacob this: 15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”
This can only be described as a pure act of grace that Jacob may not even feel worthy of receiving and doesn’t believe (See v. 20-22).
But take note: Although Jacob had received the blessing, he straightaway abandoned the land and inheritance to his brother Esau. It was Esau, not Jacob, who appeared to have gained the possessions of their father despite the stolen blessing. All that Jacob had to rely on was the word of the Lord, and he patiently waited for twenty years until the divine directive came to return. He found that to trust God’s promises was sufficient, no matter how long the delay. Mathews, K. A. (2005).Genesis 11:27–50:26 (Vol. 1B, p. 452). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
V. 16-19 “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” 17 But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!”
God was present, but Jacob wasn’t aware of it.
“Surely” (ʾākēn) and “aware” (yādaʿ, “know”) appear together in Exod 2:14, which also describes the fear of discovery. Since he had unwittingly encroached upon holy space, he was fearfully startled by his dream, awaking in the midst of the night. “Awesome” (nôrāʾ) is derived from yārāʾ, meaning “fear, awe.” The expression commonly reflects the speaker’s contemplation of the incomparability of God (e.g., Exod 15:11; 34:10; Ps 96:4). Mathews, K. A. (2005).Genesis 11:27–50:26 (Vol. 1B, p. 452). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Jacob called it the house of God, the gateway to heaven. Keep in mind this is before Moses and the tabernacle in the desert. For Jacob, there is no location to seek and dwell before the Lord on the run. But now, this became holy and heavenly ground. This spot, this place, became hallowed and revered. Why all this? To Jacob, God lived there.
When Jacob got up in the morning, he took the stone used as a pillow and made it a memorial. He poured oil over it, a symbol to say that the place is holy, and then he called it “Bethel,” which means house of God. Why all this? To Jacob, God lived there.
V. 20-22
Jacob makes a vow to God; perhaps Jacob felt a little insecure about his safety and the journey ahead, so He looks to God for help.
If God protected, provided, and gave him a peaceful and safe return to his father’s home, he would be devoted to the Lord, dedicate and worship God at this site, and offer a tithe. This was a big ask considering all that has happened.
This promise of a tithe mirrors his grandfather, Abraham. Tithing was a practice before the law.
To give a tithe was an act whereby a person acknowledged that everything he had belonged to God. Faith outwardly recognizes this fact in token form. Ross, A. P. (1985). Genesis. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 74). Victor Books.
APPLICATION
The truth is God is always present; we’re not always aware.
Sometimes we make statements such as “God really showed up in worship today.” And I know what we mean, but we need to make sure we keep truth in front of us. God is omnipresent.
Jeremiah 23:24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD.
God was there even if Jacob didn’t know it. God can show up without you seeking and God is present when you seek Him, whether you are consciously aware or not. God reveals and manifests His presence at His will, not ours.
This is called the unconscious presence of God. The unconscious presence of God only means that we feel nothing when He is present. His presence is real, but a sense of Him is kept from us. We feel nothing whatsoever, but He is there as much as when we feel Him. We must learn to respect God when He does not appear to reveal Himself. We must honor Him when we feel nothing. We must worship Him when we are tired and afraid. In our weakest moment—yes, even in our most embarrassing moment when we feel we have done everything wrong and nothing right—God is absolutely there. -R.T. Kendhall Kendall, R.T.. The Presence of God: Discovering God's Ways Through Intimacy With Him (pp. 6-7). (Function). Kindle Edition.
God gets as much glory when He does not appear to show up as He does when He manifests Himself overtly. His unconscious presence is as real and orchestrated as when we feel Him. -Kendall, R.T.. The Presence of God: Discovering God's Ways Through Intimacy With Him (p. 3). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Why the unconscious presence of God? Well, God knows that you have diapers to change, files to organize, a job to work, and a house to clean. If God manifested His tangible presence all the time, you wouldn't get your common, day-to-day tasks completed because you would be overwhelmed and captivated by His tangible presence. There's a time for God to be there but incognito, and there’s a time for God to reveal He is there.
Being aware of God’s presence is a daily exercise of faith in the truth.
God told Jacob, “I am with you.” We have the same promise Jesus gave to His followers, His disciples: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Do you believe this? Can you accept this? It means that God is with us whether we feel Him or not. We need to remember this in all aspects of our lives. It can be in a time of prayer or a time of frivolous activity. This is true when we are struggling to hear from God or when we are having fun. This is true when we have messed up, and our closest friends or loved ones misunderstand us or reject us.
We must not panic when we don’t feel God’s presence. We must not give up when we feel nothing. For when we feel nothing, God is at work. When we don’t feel His presence, He is there—the unconscious presence of God. Learn to recognize this and honor such a moment, no matter how long it lasts. -R.T. Kenhall Kendall, R.T.. The Presence of God: Discovering God's Ways Through Intimacy With Him (p. 8). (Function). Kindle Edition.
Never underestimate how near God is to you when you feel nothing.
God calls us to live by faith in His true Word, not by feelings and sight.
If we learn to appreciate the unconscious, intangible presence of God, we will enjoy even more the conscious, tangible presence of God.
Don’t divide life into “Spiritual” and “Normal.”
Do not overlook the mundane places. With or without your knowing, God is there. God has a way of showing up in unpredictable and unprecedented ways.
Luke 24 records two believers in Christ walking on the road to Emmaus. These two men thought they were speaking to a total stranger, but it was Jesus the whole time. It was after they recognized Him and He disappeared that they realized, upon reflection, how they indeed felt His presence: “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the way?” (Luke 24:32).
We should not expect or seek only the spectacular encounters with God. This does not take into consideration the Holy Spirit’s nudges or convictions to do something that works a miracle or a divine appointment of salvation.
God met Jacob in an ordinary place. God isn’t only present in church, during worship, and during your devotions. God is present in the office, in the classroom, as you do chores, in mowing the lawn, driving to work, and cooking dinner.
Practice “God Is Here” Moments
This week, intentionally remind yourself, “God is here,” several times each day.
Pause three or four times each day and simply say:
“Lord, thank You that You are here.”
This trains the heart to live consciously in His presence.
“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always hard to penetrate. The real labour is to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake.” -C.S. Lewis
“The task of paying attention is demanding. It can be performed only as one gains some freedom from self-importance and self-concern.” - Diogenes Allen
God is aware of you and with you!
God’s promise to be with His people is a theme repeated throughout Scripture. The assurance of God’s presence should bring about in every believer the same response of worship and confidence it prompted in Jacob.
Psalm 139:1-10 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
Additional exercises to practice “God Is Here” moments:
Ask yourself two questions:
Where have I seen or encountered Jesus (or God or the Holy Spirit) today?
Where have I missed Jesus (or God or the Holy Spirit) today?
Ask these questions throughout each day and week, and you’ll be surprised how much more you recognize God’s presence with you.
To further train your awareness, here’s another exercise. Journal or write down:
What helps me pay attention to God?
What hinders me from paying attention to God?
Set aside a few minutes and make two lists; carefully and prayerfully review them.
Now, come up with one or two action steps to help you pay more attention and to remove what hinders your attention.
Discussion
What stood out to you most from Jacob’s encounter with God in Genesis 28, and why?
Jacob said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it.” Can you think of a time when you recognized God’s presence only after looking back on a situation?
Why do you think it is so easy to overlook God’s presence in our everyday lives? What are some things that distract us from recognizing Him?
The sermon taught that God is present whether we feel Him or not. How does that truth encourage you during seasons when God seems distant or silent?
This week, what is one habit or practice you could begin that would help you become more aware of God’s presence throughout the day?
Jacob’s awareness of God’s presence changed his response…he worshiped, made a commitment to God, and made a memorial for what God had done. How should an awareness of God’s presence change the way we work, speak, or live this week?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and, when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways, and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!