Listen to the tale: he is running for his life. In the stillness of a universe where no sound can be heard, Jacob’s ears are only attuned to the rhythmic plodding of his feet on the parched earth. He is running. Jacob's heart is beating so irregularly and ferociously that it feels like it might collapse on itself any moment. With each gulp of breath comes the slicing pain of the prolonged exhalation, anxious for the next breath to sustain him a bit longer on the tortuous journey. And then there is the unbearable agony of being hounded, hated and having to live the rest of his life in exile.

When the father hears of the deceit, he will be unforgiving. How could it be otherwise? Jacob has lied to his father. Impersonating his brother Esau, Jacob stole away before the ruse could be unmasked and Jacob shamed. The relationship between father and son is forever broken. Mother used him. Again! How could he ever face her after this? (Little does Jacob know that by the time he returns home after his years of running, she will long be dead. He will never see her face again.) And the fierceness of his brother’s anger will be relentless.

Jacob’s twin is the anti-hero. Esau is brazen, full of bravado and ire and even now, miles away, Jacob can hear Esau’s wild howls of anguish. Esau will become the slayer. Jacob knows his life has lost all meaning. He will spend the remainder of his days hiding; wondering when Esau will finally catch up and have his long-wanted revenge.

Once upon a time Jacob was secure; life provided everything he required. Favorite of his mother, a precocious learner, scion of the land’s most wealthy family, Jacob’s life had almost a story-book quality to it. Why then did this all have to happen? What was the reason that all had gone awry in a few hours? Why did he ever think he could come away richer from such lies and deception?? Now, beyond hope, as his legs propel him aimlessly into the dark weave of night when it becomes impossible for him to travel any further, Jacob’s heart is so heavy that he feels utterly barren, empty of all emotion. Jacob is about ready to surrender every ideal, hope and vision he ever held. This may be the last night of his life.

Finally, with a stone for a pillow, Jacob sleeps. He dreams of ladders and angels. He dreams of a pathway that climbs to the highest height. He witnesses the place where heaven and earth touch. Awake with a promise, he utters, “God is in this place and I. I never knew.” Genesis 28

Jacob is no more. The man who would have spent the remaining years of his life looking over his shoulder has disappeared. Jacob has glimpsed the expanse of the cosmos; he has experienced the Ineffable and will never be the same. From the merciless and unforgiving pit of death, Jacob is reborn.

Does Jacob's tale resonate with your life experience? Are parts of the story so familiar that you could almost substitute your name for Jacob’s? Like Jacob, most of us will endure such dark journeys in our life. At these moments, hope is absent. No light can penetrate the thick veil of blankness that envelopes and threatens to wring out our last breath. These are times that are life changing. From this empty night of despair can emerge a reborn self.