Friday, April 17, 2009
Back to Bethel
(Genesis 35)
Jacob had come a long way in life. His early years were marked by conniving tendencies that haunted him most of his life. As family relationships crumbled around him, he fled, seeking refuge with the cunning and treacherous Laban (Birds of a feather…). As his troubles mounted, his questionable solutions drew him farther and farther away from the God of His fathers. The God to whom he had made a sweeping vow of self consecration (28:18-22) had become a distant memory.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, God called Jacob to return to Bethel. The very name of the place stirred in Jacob pleasant memories of His youthful familiarity with God. Perhaps he remembered the sacred vow, long ago violated and suppressed, and the sincerity of the youthful heart that uttered those binding words. The thought of returning to Bethel exercised both a stinging and intriguing sensation to his mind. He determined to return, believing that perhaps God would once again be a vital and real presence in his life.
Jacob did return to Bethel. He learned, however, that it was not so much the place itself but the presence of God that mattered. In fact, he changed the name of “Bethel,” (House of God) to “El-bethel” meaning “God of the House of God.” More than returning to a sacred place, Jacob had renewed his sacred relationship with the Lord. Perhaps you have come a long way from the days of your youthful spiritual enthusiasm. Maybe God was more real, more present back then. What now? Return to Bethel and find the God of the house!
