V.1-5 God had a plan for Jacob’s life. If you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, God has a plan for your life. But our responsibility is to be willing to submit. Only through obedience to God’s Word can there be joy and peace in walking that life. God will be honored, and you will be blessed. These always go together.
V.10-15 God began to teach Jacob some lessons. This journey is Jacob’s schooling. He has many things to learn. The sun is setting on his old life (v. 11). Often this is painful to our natural life (old nature) but necessary.
V.15 Precious promises to a failing man. Read of the promises to believers in 2 Peter 1:3-4 and Ephesians 1:3.
V.16-17 Jacob is brought face to face with God. He calls the place the very gate of heaven.
V.19 Bethel means “the house of God.” Jacob said “surely the Lord is in this place.”
V.16 Read Genesis 31:13. When we have the assurance in our heart of the Lord’s presence collectively with us, then we will say the same thing as Jacob.