When we visited the Pantheon in Rome, what struck us in this architectural splendor is the girth and strength of the pillars that hold the ceiling of the entrance into the dome, which has within it in the center, an oculus through which sun light enters into the building. As we waited for our turn to go in, we leaned and against the pillars at the entrance, which supported us.
Genesis 28:18 records that when Jacob rose from his sleep, in which he dreamed of the Lord God and his ladder, the gate of heaven, he work up early in the morning and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar and consecrated it by pouring oil on top of it. While the exact significance of what Jacob did is not explicitly given in the book of Genesis, we are told that what once served as a head rest (a pillow) now served as a reminder and refuge (a pillar of strength), consecrated by oil.
Points to ponder:
Jesus expressed that he would give rest unto all who come to him (Matthew 11:28). In other words, he would be their spiritual pillow. He also expressed that he was the chief cornerstone (pillar) – a refuge of strength to all who believe and lean on him (as one would lean on a pillar). The Holy Spirit (symbolized by oil in the Scripture) was over him at his baptism, consecrating the one who consecrates all, and Christ Jesus is The Pillar of God.
We can rest on Jesus, who is the only entrance (the gate of heaven) into where God, the Father of lights (James 1:17) can shine over us. Come unto him and he will give you rest and refuge, for Jesus is Jacob’s pillow and pillar.
Genesis 28:18 (KJV)
18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.
