GENESIS 28

There is something so interesting in this chapter, and it is the comparison between God’s promises and our promises.

As Jacob is journeying to find a wife, God renews His promise to make a great nation from Jacob’s descendants. He says, "I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (vs 13-15)

Jacob liked what God had to say, and in verse 20, he made a responsive promise: "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."

Did you notice the difference between God’s promise and Jacob’s promise? When God makes promises, He doesn’t use the word if. There was no condition on God’s promise. He didn’t say, "Jacob, if you do what I tell you and remain faithful to me, then I will give you the land you’re lying on." No, He just outright promised it. That’s what God is like. He just lives to give.

On the other hand, Jacob—though he is obviously inclined to be faithful—attaches a little condition to his promise. He says, "If God will be with me and do all these things for me, then I’ll let Him be my God forever."

I’m glad God doesn’t use the word if. I’m glad He doesn’t say, "I’ll love you if you love Me" or "I’ll be good to you if you choose Me." God is good and God loves us all the time. Just because. Just because that’s how He is.

He is totally good. Totally God. Without condition.