This challenging time becomes more difficult when Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, and someone who would have been very close to Jacob (35 v8).

The Lord appears to Jacob (v10) and how God encourages him is to remind him of the new person he became at Peniel. Jacob is a new person who trusts in the Lord rather than on his own scheming.

The Lord after reminding Jacob that he belongs to the Lord, now reveals something of the greatness of the Lord (v11) and what the Lord will do (v12). In difficult days, it is when we keep our eyes on God that we are strengthened and encouraged in our faith.

Jacob again wants to mark this encounter with the Lord (v14-15). The altar was a visual aid to remind Jacob of God’s promises. Today we have the visual aids of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to remind us of God’s wonderful promises.

The pouring out of the oil (v14) symbolises the blessing and power that comes from the Holy Spirit being poured into someone’s life, which in turn enables the person to pour out their life in sacrificial love to the Lord.

Do you know the Spirit moving in your life, causing you to pour out your life for Christ day by day? Pray about this.