Rock Pillow

Oct. 26

Read: Genesis 28:10-22

Dreamer; Part 2

Rock Pillow

“Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep.” (v.11b)

A rock for a pillow !?! Who would sleep on a stone. The question is this: Would you sleep on a rock if it meant you could have the experience with God that Jacob had? Matthew Henry framed it like this: would you take Jacob’s pillow if you also got his vision?

Jacob must have been so tired as to fall asleep on a stone. It was his first night away, having left the comforts of home. He was alone. He had been walking all day over rough terrain. This is precisely the moment that God met him to comfort him. This is when God showed up in a unique and powerful way. This is most often the case; that God dispenses his comfort upon his people when they are most empty and lacking of other comforts. When we find ourselves alone, without the comforts of “home”, and worn out, then we are in the best position to receive the comforts of God. That is to say, when we are sleeping on a rock pillow is when we will experience God’s comfort.

I know this sounds crazy, but the people of God can actually REST on a proverbial “rock pillow”. It is not simply that we can endure it - tossing and turning all night - but that we can “sleep” and find rest. The vision of, presence, and words of the Lord allow Jacob to rest through the entire night while his head is on a stone. When our eyes are set on those things above- fixed on the Lord -we will find rest regardless of our situation. The word of God affirms this over and over again:

“…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus… brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:7-9)

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:2-4)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Jesus (Matt. 11:28-30)

This is the promise of Christ, therefore we can take up a stone pillow. Not only can we endure it… we can rest on it. I would take the rock in exchange for the vision… would you? Have you been “sleeping on a stone” lately? Set your eyes on those things that are above, and you will sleep well through the night. This brings an entirely different layer to phrase “resting upon the rock”. What is crazy is that when Jacob woke up - he actually CELEBRATED his nights sleep on the stone pillow. That rock become a channel-marker… a guide post… a unique “pillar” of remembrance for him of when the Lord met him and comforted him. (v.16-22) Who would have guessed that someone would celebrate sleeping with a rock for a pillow!?! That rock would serve as a reminder to Jacob that the Lord was with him always and that the Lord does indeed bridge the gap between us and Him. May our “rock pillows” not only become places of rest for but also “pillars” that remind us of the Lord and his nearness to us. God’s promises to Jacob are his promises to you as his children: “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham… The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. (I will make a place for you in this world) …Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go… For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (v.13-15) Love you guys! - JDP