Nougat 12

Embarking on a major journey such as Jacob faced in his older years could not have been easy. Especially when he probably thought that his travels were done once he’d returned to Canaan. Yet, there he was, trying to discern whether he was on a fool’s errand. And that is where we meet him in today’s Holy Nougat

“So Israel set out, along with everything that belonged to him. When he came to Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. —- “I am God, the God of your father,” He said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will turn you into a great nation there.” Genesis‬ ‭46:1, 3‬ ‭TLV‬‬

For Jacob, facing a major moment, especially one requiring travel, required him facing God. He might have been all about scheming and tricks when seeking to realize his dreams; but ultimately he needed God’s affirmation of God’s presence with him as he traveled.

Of course, travel could be somewhat dangerous those days; with two and four-legged predators to contend with. Seeking God’s guidance and coverage was an act of pure wisdom. As always, God assured Jacob of God’s presence and favor, and confirmed the best course of action to be taken.

You see, even when the course of action is logical and straightforward; there is reason to seek God’s face. Granted, there may be far fewer four-legged predators with which to contend as Jacob’s time; but the threats to our physical, mental, emotional, financial and even spiritual well-being are perhaps more. And, like Jacob, we may find that there’s a lot at stake in our life’s journeys – literal and figurative.

We learn from the nougat that Jacob didn’t meet God empty-handed. No, he took a sacrifice with him. And he met God at their well established meeting point, the Beersheba, the Well of Oaths. It was there his fathers had struck covenants in the past and it was there he had his profound connection with God (see Genesis 28:10-15 the open vision of the ladder going up to Heaven).

Where is our Beersheba?

When life gets serious and decisions need to be made, where do we turn?

Do we have a place – a Secret Place perhaps – where we meet God and commune as friend with friend?

I pray that Jacob’s practice becomes our own, and we seek God’s face for all facets of our lives.

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May all we seek be found in Christ