And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!
Genesis 28:12, ESV
Jacob was fleeing at the request of his mother after having taken the blessing of his older brother Esau. God had meant for this to happen. This was not because Jacob was a great example of faith but simply because of God’s choosing. In a dream, God reveals to Jacob the workings of the spiritual realm within our world. This is not visible to us, but that does not make it any less real. God’s choosing us is His work and not our own. God blesses us and our work through the protections He offers us through His angels, as well as the guidance given to us through the Holy Spirit. Jacob was given this glimpse that is recorded for us as a sign of hope for us in our daily living by giving us knowledge that we are not left alone and our God has not left us to our own devices. God protected Jacob and even gave Him a new name in order to show that His promises stand firm because of who He is not because we live perfectly faithful lives. God does not bless the negative aspects of Jacob and his life, but He blesses Jacob because He chose to bless him. He does the same for those of us that are chosen by Him. Let us live our lives to reflect our Lord’s glory and ask that He help us to turn away from our sin.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.