What does it mean when we say we are ‘with’ somebody? It could mean that we are romantically involved. It could be that we’re the plus one for a wedding or dinner. I’ve even used it to refer to the fact that I’m listening and understanding what is being said. But what about when God says it? Consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Genesis 28:15 CEB
[15] I am with you now, I will protect you everywhere you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done everything that I have promised you.”
Emmanuel: God with Us_2
I like the fact that God tells Jacob, “I’m with you now“. It suggests to me that although their relationship was close to nonexistent, God was initiating closeness. This wasn’t a romantic relationship (though Jesus is referred to as the ‘bridegroom’ of the church), but spoke of a direct, tangible presence. Jacob was no longer travelling alone. He had the Most High God with him. That must have been good news for Jacob.
Can you imagine – despite his complicity in acquiring Esau’s birthright, God volunteered to be with Jacob on that uncertain and potentially dangerous journey? What love!
Self-Check
How open are we to accompanying others when they have disregarded us?
Application
I love the ‘now’ factor in God’s comment. Whether or not Jacob was guilty, regardless of God’s seeming to be absent before, God was present at that crucial time. Now that’s a promise worth appropriating! That God is still with us, even if we totally messed up before.
Moreover, it feels like God was also saying Jacob was at the place God wanted him to be at. Therefore, God was present. That presents us with another promise to hold on to: it could be that where we are is where God wants us to be. Can you imagine that? Ironically, it could also say that despite where Jacob was/we are in life, God is present NOW. That’s good news for everyone.
Lastly, for today, we recognize that God also added a qualifier. Not the kind that said God’s presence was there under certain conditions. No. God’s ‘with you’ also included protection detail. God said God would protect Jacob. Now, that’s a promise! I can hear the hallelujahs ringing out. Hallelujah indeed.
Psalm 91 assures that when we are with God, we are right there within God’s shadow. Nothing can reach us without God being able to see. Angels are on assignment to ensure our welfare. Arrows and terrors will come, but because God is with us, all is well.
Siblings, despite the ups and downs, I pray we find assurance in the knowledge that God is with us: Emmanuel is God with us. It is well.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
