THE K I N G ’ S B US I NE S S
987
This incident has been enshrined in the hearts of Scotchmen all the world over in that second paraphrase which begins, “ Oh God of Beth-el by whose hand thy people still are fed,” and which has been a blessing to tens of thousands of Scotland’s sons as they have left their homes. As a manifest token of his faith and earnestness, Jacob set up the stone which had been his pillow for a memorial pillar, and poured the oil over it, making the act a sacred one. It is interesting to recall the legend that this stone is that now under thé coron ation chair in Westminster Abbey, and that for centuries English sovereigns, and before them Scottish sovereigns, have sat in that chair when the anoint ing oil was put upon their heads. Might we not all follow Jacob’s good example and set up stones of memorial to remind us of God’s goodness as we journey. We are going out with Jacob today, and have for our theme, .“ The Pilgrim; the Pillow and the Pillar,” and a sug gestive outline would be: (1) The Home HEART OF THE • leaving, 1-5. BESSON (2) The Halt- PRACTICAB POINTS ing Place 10-12. The way of the transgressor is hard. Rebekah must pay the penalty of her sin. She probably never saw Jacob again. Jacob had the promised bless ing, but he was not safe at home. He is sent to his mother’s home for a wife. He is about 76 years old. He takes a last look into the mother’s ,face and starts on his pilgrim journey,—-a sad- hearted, wicked sinner, afraid of his own life. His sin has found him out. What a contrast between Eliezer’s journey for a wife for Isaac,— camels, servants, precious gifts! Jacob probably travelled alone, fearful of •Esau. He tarried where night found him; slept on the ground; used a stone for a pil low. (3) The Heavenly Vision 12-15. (4) The House of God 16-22.
We are never out of God’s sight nor can we evade His purposes. Jacob was a sinner, but God was a Saviour. Jacob was guilty, but God was gracious. Jacob was sleepy but God was sleep less. Jacob prayed (35:3) and God gave him a vision. The first step in divine education is a vision. It is inter esting to note that though Jacob is such a sinner, God changeth not. He is the same yesterday, today and for ever. There are four significant things in connection with the vision: (1) “ Behold, a ladder set upon the earth, reaching unto the heavens.” A means of communication between men and God. Heaven and earth are connected. God is not far away. He hears prayer. The lad der is planted upon the earth, accessible to man; where he can reach it. God is gracious, and in grace He provides a way. The lad der reaches Heaven, the place of glory. God set it up, not man. Man has no ladder reaching to Heaven. Christ is God’s ladder and is the on ly. medium of communication between God and man. “ Set on the earth,” signifying His humanity: “ reaching unto heaven,” signify ing His deity. No man cometh unto the Father but by Him. He who seeks to come in any other way is a thief and a robber, seek ing to ro"b' God of His essential glory in Jesus Christ. Here is a way out of the labyrinth of sin, for the sinner, which God has pro vided. (2) “ Behold, the angels of God! Heav enly messengers to the weary, sin- sick wanderer, but they can only minister through the means of the ladder. Through Christ is conveyed our prayers, and by Him they bring the blessing. How little we appreciate their ministry! ¡3) “ Behold, the Lord” !- Heayen is near. God the source of blessing;
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