One of the most striking verses about Jacob is his admission in Gen 28:18: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it”. He is the son of Isaac who knew God, His grandfather is Abraham, who also knew God. Maybe (as grandfathers do) Abraham told Jacob of his experiences, his encounters with God. He may have told him of fathering his father on old age. And of Sarah smiling. And Isaac his father may have told him of his encounters with God. Which means that Jacob knew of God and his presence. But when he flees away from Esau and lay down to rest for the night his awareness is around his own safety and getting to his destination as soon as possible. Maybe his knowledge was to localize God to certain situations and specific times. Like we all do. Sundays and holy places like churches and being with “holy people”. But then Jacob’s awakening: “God is here! I did not know it!”
Many things can be said about this. Many explanations can be provided. Circumstances could have played a role. God has not spoken to Jacob before. Jacob may have had a different belief as conveyed to him by his father and grandfather. Jacob may have been filled by his own fear and reflections of Esau and fleeing for his safety. When there is a threat to one’s safety, beliefs can easily fly out of the door. The immediate needs and safety become the most important. He may have been so focused on fleeing, that he did not realize God fleeing with him.
But as he lies down to sleep, and his defenses and fears and worries get to rest …. God speaks. At least we can say that his discovery was a pleasant experience for him. When he became aware of this, he admitted this and responded in some actions. He is touched by His message and immediately respond in his way. Erecting a stone and making the place where he met God a special place. A refugee becomes a pilgrim. Life suddenly gets a different value and meaning.
But now that Christ has come, our need for s stone in Bethel became redundant. He is here. Even while we may, like Jacob be focused on the needs of the here and now. For his followers, he promised the presence of His Spirit which ensures us of Him being with us. Wherever, Whenever.