“Jacob: I’ll be home for Christmas”

Bible Text: Genesis 28:10-22 | Preacher: Pastor Mark Verbruggen | Series: Jacob | The Old Testament is the story of the Christ who was to come and we see that again Genesis 28
where we enter the life and times of a person named Jacob. Who is Jacob? He is the son of
Isaac, the grandson of Abraham. He is the father of twelve sons from whom the nation of Israel
will come about. From Jacob and his family has now come our Lord Jesus Christ. As such,
Jacob’s life was a light that pointed forward to the coming of the “Light of the world” who is our
Lord Jesus Christ. In this season of Advent, we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior who
is born from the family of Jacob and his nation.
In Genesis 28:15. God says to Jacob, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go,
and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised
you.” Here we have the promise of Jesus Christ and the hope that is ours in this Advent season.
First, to lost and homeless Jacob the Lord says, “I am with you”. This is the promise of the Lord’s
Presence. Second, the Lord says, “I will watch over you”. This is the promise of the Lord’s
Protection. And third, the Lord says, “I will bring you back”. This is the promise of
Homecoming. The fugitive will be brought home. The new word given to Jacob in Genesis
28:15, speaks of New Life to the one who was a fugitive from grace. To the one without family,
without friends, and without home, all is given in the Word from the Lord. God brings us home.
This is the gospel.