Jacob wanted to come into God’s presence in a holy fashion, namely, stripped of all that competed for God’s glory in their lives. Let’s get rid of our idols. Let’s purify ourselves. Let’s put on clean clothes. Let us give God reverence. This God, our God, delivered me in the day of my distress and His presence has been with me.
His family followed his instruction and received a blessing from God: “As they journeyed, the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.” [2]
Jacob and his family arrived at Bethel. “He built an altar there and called the place El Bethel (God of the House of God), because there, God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.” [3]
Then God appeared to Jacob again and blessed him. God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. God gave Jacob a commission to be fruitful and multiply, to produce nations and kings, and to inherit the land that He promised to Abraham and Isaac. [4]
And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.” [5]
Truly, Bethel, the House of God, is entered whenever and wherever we put to death (bury) our idols. We come to God not to ask for more of this world, but to reverence God for who He is and that He chooses to BE in our lives. How Amazing!!! He created and sustains the universe! He loves us!
“Thank You Heavenly Father for delivering us from all our distresses. You have preserved our lives. You have blessed us with in so many ways. We give You reverence. Thank You for Your presence.”
[1] Genesis 35:3-4
[2] Genesis 35:5
[3] Genesis 35:7
[4] Genesis 35:8-12
[5] Genesis 35:15
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