A hymn sermon based on the hymn, NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE by Sarah F. Adams.

(Choir sings stanza one)

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!

The story of the ancient patriarch, Jacob, needs repeating again and again. All the way from his trickery to his highest moment at Bethel, Jacob was thoroughly human, with feet of clay, and portrays for us the prodigal of every age. He was the PRODIGAL SON of the Old Testament who wandered into the unknown, but never got entirely away from God. Here, then, briefly, is his story:

Twin sons were born to Isaac and Rebekkah - Jacob and Esau. Esau became an outdoorsman and hunter, while Jacob was a tent dweller who co…