I have a dream
Introduction
Speaking on v12
Some context
v10 – this was a life changing night for Jacob
Have you been changed by the living God?
Christian conversion is dramatic
It is a change within
It is no dream
It is not something your forget
5 steps of the ladder to life:
Jacob Asleep (v11)
Jacob Awake (v16)
Jacob Aware (v16)
Jacob Afraid (v17)
Jacob Alive (v20)
Jacob Asleep (v11)
Jacob was on the run and tired
He lay down to sleep and dreamed
v12 – he dreamed
Before the Scriptures came to be – God revealed certain things about Himself in dream
e.g. Jacob and Nebuchadnezzar
v13 – Who was in the dream
God
Even the Lord Jesus Christ – compare to John 1:51
This was a “theophany”
v13-15 – What was said
God is committing Himself to Jacob and to Israel
Will you take a step on the ladder towards Jesus Christ
The cross of Calvary is no dream
Jacob Awake (v16)
What sort of a night did Jacob have?
He knew that God was in this place
God was at the top of the ladder giving him access to heaven
It was experiential
In our conversion – we know that something is happening
The event was “awesome”
Meaning reverential fear
A life changing spiritual experience is awesome
Not always a Damascus Road experience
It occurred in Bethel
Previously called Luz – known for its bad name
Personal example
He placed a stone and poured oil on it
He called the place Bethel
Bethel meaning “House of God”
Personal example
God is in our towns and cities
He is a front line God
Example from Mark 5:39
It is time to get up and start a new day
Are you still asleep or have you awoken?
Jacob Aware (v16)
He was unaware of the presence of God
It is possible to be in God’s presence but not be aware/recognise Him
John 1:10 – Jesus’ own people did not recognise Him
Luke 23:34
Who else could do the works and miracles of Jesus?
When you come to church – are you aware that God is here?
v17 – this is house of God, the gate of heaven
The gate gives entrance and the ladder gives elevation
God is inviting us into the kingdom of heaven
Jesus said “I am the door, whoever enters through Me will be saved”
Example of sheep pen
Jesus Christ laid down His life so you could enter the kingdom of heaven
Jacob Afraid (v17)
Why was he afraid?
Personal example of fear of the dark – He was not afraid of the dark
Was it a fear of the unknown? – No
It was because he met God
Matt 14:25-26
When we meet God the fear of God is in our soul
God has come to take our sin and fear away
Are you afraid of the consequences?
Examples
Do not let your fears stop you coming to God/Christ
Jacob Alive (v20)
He believed the promises of God – v13 & 15
I will give you
I am with you
I will keep you
I will bring you back
I will not leave you
An example of redemption love
Jesus speaks to us through the Gospel
John 3:16
Are you running from anything this morning?
Do you need rest?
John 10:27-28
Whose hands are you in?
Jacob committed himself to God
Example of Grandpa Howard
Are you making excuses this morning?
Believe in God
Make God the Lord of your life
Rom 10:9-10
1 John 5:12
Do you have life?
Closing Remarks