Jacobs Ladder Craft
Jacob: A
Story of Wrestling and Redemption
The
night was **silent** as Jacob stood alone by the river **Jabbok**. His past
haunted him—his deception, his struggles, his broken relationships. Tomorrow,
he would face **Esau**, the brother he had wronged.
But
tonight, something **divine** was about to happen.
Jacob’s
journey would demand **faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,
godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity**—just as **2 Peter 1:4-9**
teaches.
Virtue: Choosing to Seek God Instead
of His Own Ways
Jacob
had spent years **relying on trickery**—stealing Esau’s blessing, deceiving
Laban. But now, he was **desperate for God**.
And
beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue...”* (**2 Peter
1:5**)
Instead
of scheming, Jacob **prayed**. He sent gifts to Esau, hoping for peace. But
more than that—he **sought God’s presence**.
Knowledge: Understanding That God Was
His True Source**
Jacob
had always **fought for blessings**—from Esau, from Laban. But now, he realized
**blessings come from God alone**.
And
to virtue knowledge...”* (**2 Peter 1:5**)
That
night, **he wrestled with God**. He refused to let go until he received a
blessing—not from man, but from **the Almighty**.
Temperance: Learning to Control His
Desires and Trust God's Plan**
Jacob
had once **grasped at power**, taking Esau’s birthright and blessing. But now,
he **let go**.
*“And
to knowledge temperance...”* (**2 Peter 1:6**)
Instead
of demanding, he **submitted**. Instead of deceiving, he **trusted**.
God
**changed his name**—from Jacob, the deceiver, to **Israel**, the one who
wrestled with God and prevailed.
Patience: Waiting for Restoration and
God's Timing**
And to
temperance patience...”* (**2 Peter 1:6**)
Jacob
had fled Esau **in fear**. Now, after years of waiting, he **humbled himself**
before his brother.
Instead
of **fighting**, he **bowed**. Instead of **taking**, he **gave**.
Esau
**embraced him**—a moment of **redemption** that had taken years to
unfold.
Godliness: Walking in Obedience and
Worship**
📖
*“And to patience godliness...”* (**2 Peter 1:6**)
Jacob
built an **altar**, declaring that God had been with him all along.
*"I
am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou
hast shewed unto thy servant..."* (**Genesis 32:10**)
He
finally **recognized**—his life was **not his own**.
Brotherly Kindness & Charity:
Restoring Relationships Through Grace**
📖
*“And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”*
(**2 Peter 1:7**)
Jacob
had **wronged Esau**, but now he **offered peace**.
*"Take,
I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee..."* (**Genesis
33:11**)
Instead
of **stealing**, he **gave**. Instead of **running**, he **reconciled**.
### **Conclusion: A Life Transformed
by Faith**
Jacob’s
journey mirrors **2 Peter 1:4-9**:
- He
**chose virtue**, seeking God instead of deception.
- He
**gained knowledge**, realizing blessings come from God.
- He
**learned temperance**, surrendering control.
- He
**practiced patience**, waiting for restoration.
- He
**walked in godliness**, worshiping God.
- He
**showed kindness and charity**, reconciling with Esau.
Jacob’s
**struggles shaped him** into a man of **faith and virtue**.
Likewise,
our **wrestling matches**—our doubts, our failures, our fears—are **not the
end**. They are **the process** through which God **transforms us**.
Let’s
**cling to Him**, just as Jacob did, and allow **faith to reshape our
lives**.
Then let’s keep this ladder of hope rising, George! Here’s a **devotional story inspired by Joseph’s dreams**, perfectly paired with the themes from Jacob’s Ladder. It’s crafted to invite students into awe, reflection, and commitment—with a prayer to guide their hearts.
With joy, George—here’s a **devotional story inspired by Jacob’s Ladder**, complete with an invitation and closing prayer. It’s crafted to speak to the hearts of your students through imagery, Scripture, and a gentle call to draw near to God.
---
**Devotional: “Stairway of Promise”**
*Inspired by Genesis 28:10–22*
**Story:**
Jacob was running—tired, alone, and unsure of what would come next. Night fell, and with a rock for a pillow, he dreamed a dream that changed everything: a stairway stretched from earth to heaven, and angels moved up and down while the Lord stood above it.
God didn’t wait for Jacob to be perfect—He met him right there, in the middle of the wilderness. The Lord spoke promises of blessing, presence, and protection.
When Jacob awoke, he said, *“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”* He turned that place into a holy memory—he poured oil on the stone and named it *Bethel,* the house of God.
**Reflection:**
God often meets us in our quiet moments—when we feel alone or uncertain. He reminds us that His promises still hold, that His presence still surrounds. Like Jacob, we may be on a journey, but God is building something eternal…a stairway between our hearts and His.
---
**Invitation to the Class:**
*Is there a place in your heart that feels like a wilderness? Would you like to invite God into it today, just like Jacob did?*
Take a quiet moment. Imagine the ladder reaching from where you are all the way to heaven—God is near. He sees you. He calls you by name.
Would you like to make this moment your own *Bethel*—a place where you say “God is here, and I will follow Him”?
**Prayer with the Class:**
> *Dear God,*
> Thank You for meeting us in quiet places. Thank You for the ladder that reaches from Your heart to ours.
> Just like Jacob, we sometimes feel unsure. But today, we choose to trust Your promises.
> Help us to see Your presence, even when life feels hard.
> Build in us a heart that worships You and a life that walks with You.
>Thank You most of all for Jesus, who made salvation possible.
> He lived a perfect life, took our sin to the cross, and rose again so we could be forgiven and free.
> Through His love, we have a place in Your story—a forever home with You.
>
> Help us to say “yes” to You
> In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Craft: "Stepping Toward Heaven" – Jacob’s Ladder Activity**
Materials Needed:**
- Large poster board or butcher paper (to form the class ladder)
- Construction paper (for tracing feet—white, gold, or pastels work great)
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Scissors and glue
- Optional: cotton balls for clouds, glitter for stars
---
Instructions:**
1. **Create the Ladder:**
Draw a tall ladder on the poster board, with enough space between rungs for footprints to be added.
2. **Trace and Cut:**
Have each student trace one or both feet on a sheet of paper, then cut them out.
3. **Message from Heaven:**
On each footprint, students write a *“heavenly message”* or promise (e.g. “God is with me,” “I am never alone,” “He speaks through dreams”).
4. **Assembly:**
Tape or glue the footprints ascending and descending the rungs of the ladder. Add stars, angels, or clouds for extra flair!
Craft Art**
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Let’s help these young hearts *see* what it means to be part of God’s story! 🕊️📖👣
Susan Barker Nikitenko June 16th 2025© MBMpGEOANNAbenKBPBNMRM
Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.
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