The Consequence Of Sin

The Consequence of Sin

Q: What did Jacob see in his dream?

• a. Esau chasing him in a chariot
• b. angels going up and down a stairway
• c. manna falling from heaven to feed him

Jacob bought Esau’s birthright with a bowl of stew. Later Rebekah and Jacob plotted together to deceive Isaac and steal the blessing from Esau. Esau was angry and decided he would kill Jacob after their father died. Rebekah found out about his plan and told Jacob to flee to her brother Laban’s house many miles away in Haran (see Genesis 27:41-43).

Jacob traveled all day. Then he slept using a large stone for a pillow! He dreamed angels were going up and down a stairway from earth to heaven. God was at the top of the stairway, and he told Jacob the ground he was lying on would belong to Jacob and his descendants. God promised to be with Jacob and protect him wherever he went. He promised Jacob that one day Jacob would return to this land.

In the morning, Jacob set up the stone that he had been sleeping on as a memorial pillar to show what had happened there.

Jacob was wrong to deceive Isaac and take the blessing meant for Esau. Jacob’s act caused pain for Esau and increased the animosity between the brothers. Even though Jacob chose to do the wrong thing, God still had a plan for him and still promised to bless him and watch over him.

Sometimes we act without thinking about consequences. Doing a certain thing might not seem so bad at the time, but it may harm someone else or you in ways you didn’t plan. It’s important to listen for God’s leading in your life so you can avoid the harmful effects of sin.

For You

Think before acting, and ask God to point out to you things in your life that are harmful to yourself and others.

Answer: b

As [Jacob] slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.   Genesis 28:12

(The Whole Story: Genesis 28:10-22)