Unwanted. Misunderstood. Lonely. Jacob was running from problems, and thought he knew where he’d find the solution—until God appeared on the scene with something even better. Do you need any reassurance?

Notes And Next Steps

 Genesis 28:10-17  +  Message 7 from the series “Dreamer”

 Before this encounter with God, Jacob dreamed a lot about himself.

 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. (Genesis 28:11)

He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord. (Genesis 28:12,13)

 Jacob saw three things from God …

Jacob heard three things from God …

 “You will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man” (John 1:51).

 “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” (Genesis 18:16,17)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEPS

1. How would you explain the difference between believing about God and believing God, between education about God and encountering God? Talk with a friend about this.
2. Jacob dreamed more about blessings than the Blesser. What are 3 blessings that you have or want that tempt you most often to do the same? Write them down. Pray about them this week.Review—what 3 things did Jacob see from God? what 3 things did Jacob hear from God? Share the video of this message with a friend and tell them that you learned these things.
3. Jacob was dreaming of one kind of encounter with God, and God gave him something completely different. Is it possible that you approach prayer or worship in the same way?
4. What can you learn from Jacob’s dream? Email Pastor Daron your observations.