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Pick Up Your Feet Today’s Treasure: “THEN JACOB went [briskly and cheerfully] on his way [400 miles] and came to the land of the people of the East” (Genesis 29:1, Amplified Bible). After the account of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, Genesis Chapter 29 unfolds with the words, “Then Jacob continued on his journey.” I grin as I read this translation of the phrase: “Jacob picked up his feet and went.”* The terminology echoes the annoying chide of my grade school P.E. teacher, “Pick up your feet, Miss Green!” When I heard those words, I always pictured holding my feet in my hands—shoes and all—while prancing around on stilt-like footless ankles. Don’t picture Jacob that way. The Hebrew terminology in Genesis 29:1 suggests a lightness in Jacob’s steps, translated in the Amplified Version as “briskly and cheerfully.” Jacob was now embarking on a pilgrimage of sorts and facing a new life. After having such an incredible experience with God, he probably set out on his journey with a greater sense of energy, anticipation, courage, joy, belief, and blessedness. Haven’t we all at one time or another wished we could encounter a physical, undeniable, and very personal manifestation of God? I’ve often asked groups how different our prayer lives would be if Christ suddenly showed up while we were having our quiet time. Imagine Him saying, “Don’t let me disturb you. Go right ahead,” and then we proceed as if He isn’t there! Imagine our boldness if all doubt of His nearness, love, and attentiveness were removed. I like to think that if I had a Jacob experience, I’d skip and dance all the way down the road on my subsequent journey without fear! So, why don’t I? And why don’t you? For those who receive His Son by faith, the promises of God’s presence, His call, and His attentive care are among the most repeated concepts we find in the New Testament. The following Scriptures constitute only a smattering of those that speak of God’s constant presence and care. Matthew 1:22-23: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’ ” Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." John 14:16-18: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” 2 Timothy 4:18: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Most of us haven’t encountered a physical manifestation of God, but we have His God-breathed promises on paper in permanent marker. Jacob didn’t. As Christians we have more than a memory of a dream. We have a written guarantee that we can recheck as often as we need reassurance. We also have the Holy Spirit residing in us as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (see Eph. 1:14.) Let’s start walking like it! Let’s step out of our shackles of fear and doubt, pick up our feet, and get on with it! Father, thank You for Your New Testament promises. The promises of your nearness and care bring me so much peace, confidence, and joy. Thank You for revealing Your character through Your Word. No matter what qualities the world comes up with to describe what “god” is like, Your Word assures me of who You are. You are more glorious, loving, and mighty than my human mind can even contain. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *Gordon J. Wenham, Word Biblical Commentary: Genesis 16-50 (Dallas: Word Books, 1994), 227. Adapted from The Patriarchs, by Beth Moore, pages 130-131. Nashville: LifeWay Press, 2005. Used by permission.
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