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PILGRIM PROGRESS
by Pastor Mike Fortune
November 17, 2012
- Pilgrims wander but don’t let go of God (Genesis 28:18-22; 1 Kings 3:7-13)
- Pilgrims learn to see themselves as saints though they’re still sinners (Genesis 29:32, 34; 30:20; 31:38-41; 2 Kings 2:5,9)
- Pilgrims finally grasp the grace of God (Genesis 32:9-11; Genesis 33:11)
Genesis 28:18-22
18 The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it.19 He named that place Bethel (which means "house of God"), although it was previously called Luz.20 Then Jacob made this vow: "If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing,21 and if I return safely to my father's home, then the LORDwill certainly be my God.22 And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me."
1 Kings 3:7-13
7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around.8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted!9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.11 So God replied, "Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies—12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!
Genesis 29:32,34; 30:20
32 So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, "The LORD has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me." 34 Then she became pregnant a third time and gave birth to another son. She named him Levi, for she said, "Surely this time my husband will feel affection for me, since I have given him three sons!" 20 She named him Zebulun, for she said, "God has given me a good reward. Now my husband will treat me with respect, for I have given him six sons."
2 Kings 2:5,9
5 "And there is something else. You know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me when he murdered my two army commanders, Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether. He pretended that it was an act of war, but it was done in a time of peace,* staining his belt and sandals with innocent blood. 9 But that oath does not make him innocent. You are a wise man, and you will know how to arrange a bloody death for him.
Genesis 32:9-11
9 Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O LORD, you told me, 'Return to your own land and to your relatives.' And you promised me, 'I will treat you kindly.'10 I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!11 O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.
Genesis 33:11
11 Please take this gift I have brought you, for God has been very gracious to me. I have more than enough." And because Jacob insisted, Esau finally accepted the gift.