Contrasting Compacts

Jacob’s Dream, 10-15

Setting

God at the top of a ladder

John 1:51 NKJV

51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Jesus identifies Himself as the ladder, stairway, or bridge between God in Heaven and men on earth.

Purpose

Renew His covenant with Jacob, the same unconditional covenant He made with Abraham, and then with Isaac.

land

multiplication

Messiah

presence

return

Jacob’s Response, 16-18

Ignorance of God’s presence, 16

Fear & awe, 17

memorialize, 18-19

Jacob’s Deal (aka, vow), 20-22

IF God would give him

His presence

His protection

His provision

His perseverance

THEN Jacob would give God

His fealty

His worship

His tithes

These two compacts were similar in their content but contrasting in their spirit.

Both were intended on providing for Jacob and his eventual family

God’s promise was unconditional and giving

Jacob’s deal was very conditional and taking…with a little giving at the end

Something we generally fail to understand is that God takes our promises to Him as seriously as He takes His promises to us.

Deuteronomy 23:21–23 NKJV

21 “When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. 22 But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. 23 That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the Lord your God what you have promised with your mouth.

Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 NKJV

1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

It is far better to rest in God’s promise to you than it is to try and force God’s hand by making a deal with Him.

What promises that God made should you be resting in?

What promises that You made should you be delivering on?