TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
Genesis 28:13-17
Galatians 2:20

“I opened my mouth, and panted…”

THE SPIRIT INDWELLING (IV)

In the account of God’s appearance and promise to Jacob, we see significant similarities to our Lord’s promise of the Comforter. In Jacob’s case, the promised blessing was made by God to an undeserving member of the “covenant family” of Abraham. It was loving, gracious and intimate. It was all-embracing: “I am with thee, and will keep thee … and will bring thee again into this land (Canaan)… I will not leave thee...” (Gen 28:15). Jesus’ promise was made by Him to spiritual Israel, members of the “covenant family” of Abraham. We who belong to this great family of God are undeserving, sinners saved by grace. Nevertheless, the promised Comforter condescends to take up His abode with us, dwelling in hearts cleansed by the Lamb’s blood. Herein we see Jesus’ infinite love toward us.

“… I am with thee, and will keep thee...” The Lord was with Jacob. So will the Comforter be with us, to abide, to teach and to guide us. God kept His promise with Jacob and fulfilled every word of it perfectly. So will our Comforter strengthen, uphold, encourage, comfort and sustain us in every needful way, for our best interest.

“… (I) will bring thee again into this land…” God was with Jacob until He brought him with great substance back to the promised land. This is just what the Comforter will do for us. He will be with us until He sees us safely Home “with great substance” (Gen 15:14), even the eternal inheritance of our Promised Land.

“… I will not leave thee…” The Comforter takes up permanent residence in the believer’s heart. He abides with us forever (John 14:16). His faithfulness and constancy are unwavering. We may rest assured in Him that He will never leave us as He said.

Put yourself in Jacob’s place, and you will better appreciate how the Comforter will care for us as the Indwelling Spirit.

THOUGHT: What made Jacob the recipient of such blessing?
PRAYER: Lord, keep me from straying from Thee.