Coming of Age
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God.
Genesis 28:20-21 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
If this isn’t a “coming of age” story, I don’t know what is!
Jacob is on the run! Esau is plotting to murder Jacob for identity theft and for stealing his inheritance. Jacob has been sent away by his mom Rebekah, to his uncle Laban. On the way, Jacob falls asleep and has an incredible dream. Upon arising, Jacob makes a vow. “If God will be with me and protect me …, then I will make the Lord my God.”
I think in verses 20-22 Jacob has suddenly become his own man. The God of his grandfather, and of his father, has now become his God. Is God your god or are you interacting with God through the experiences and perspectives of your family and friends? Is God the one you know?
I feel that eventually, each of us needs to confiscate and cultivate our own relationship with God. You cannot know God to your fullest on the experiences of others. Each of us need our own testimony of who God is and how he saves, loves and redeems. Our friends, family, church and others can help us along the way and are a necessity for a balanced life and spiritual growth. But, the relationship has to be personal, between you and the Father. Jacob can tell you that God will give you protection, food, clothing and redemption by his personal experience. What can you tell me about God from your personal experience? Have you come of age yet?
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