Jacob's Dream - God's Plan

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; I Timothy 2:5

Do you remember using Grandma's crochet string to make Cat's Whiskers, Saucer and Teacup and Jacob's Ladder? There are lots of string games but those are the three I remember and taught to my children. Jacob's Ladder, now there's an interesting design. It's not unusual to see a cat's whiskers or a saucer and teacup, but when do we ever see Jacob's Ladder?

The story of Jacob's Ladder is found in Genesis 28:12-17. Jacob left home running from his brother after he had stolen his brother's birthright. Well not exactly. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of pottage but he never intended to keep the bargain. However, Jacob and mom did.

By nightfall, Jacob came to Bethel. He took a stone and laid it for his pillow. Not exactly the type of pillow for a good night's rest. No matter. God intended to interrupt Jacob's sleep with a dream that would point him to the Savior and seal the covenant with him that God first made with Abram. Right here at Bethel, Abram made his first altar in Canaan when God affirmed that He would make a great nation of Abram and give him the land of Canaan for his family (Genesis 12).

God gave Jacob a dream. In the dream, there was a ladder set up from earth to heaven. Angels were descending and ascending on the ladder. The Rabbinical scholars interpreted this dream to be symbolic of the tabernacle with the Shekinah Glory coming down, the place where sacrifices were made for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus told Nathaniel in John 1:51 that He, Jesus, was that ladder that bridged heaven and fallen man.

On that first Christmas, Jesus descended from heaven as a baby. The angels descended to tell the shepherds about His birth. Jesus was crucified for our sins and rose again. Angels sat at the head and foot of where Jesus laid in the tomb (John 20: 12). He ascended back into heaven. Two men in white, angels, questioned the disciples why they continued to look into heaven. Jesus would return the same way they saw him go. (Acts 1: 11). At the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was descended on the church assembled in the room before they began their preaching to all nations.

Jesus is the only mediator between man and God. Not only did God affirm His covenant with Jacob but showed him the promise of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who descended to be our sacrifice and ascended to be our Savior.

Hey Kids:

Do you know how to play string games? This is a very old form of entertainment.

Youtube has several videos demonstrating how it's done. The videos are from WhyKnot

If you google string games there are several sites that will show a variety of games.

Jacob's Ladder is also a black spiritual often sung by children. You may be able to associate other string games to songs. Saucer and Teacup reminds me of the song "Drinking from My Saucer" a song based on Psalms 23.

Games and songs can be a great way to open up a conversation to witness to friends. Practice some of these games and song and make them part of your witnessing toolbox.