Bethel

Daily Reading: Genesis 35

Scripture Focus: God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you." (Genesis 35.1)

Devotional Thought: Arise. That's a good, biblical word, isn't it? Lazarus heard it when Jesus visited his tomb (John 11). Jairus' daughter heard it on her death bed (Mark 5). The young man heard it when Jesus passed by his funeral (Luke 7). And, of course, Jesus heard it on resurrection morning! Arise!

Jacob heard it, too. Though not dead and buried, he was in serious trouble due to his hot-headed sons who attacked and killed the townsmen of Shechem. Jacob had recently escaped his father-in-law Laban and had faced his brother's anger. Now he had a whole community up in arms against him. He was in dire straits!

God knew what Jacob needed. He needed to go to Bethel! Bethel means literally "the house of God." Jacob was to dwell there. When we are in trouble we need to spend time with God! Find shelter in his tabernacle. Jacob was to make an altar there. When life is closing in on us, we need to worship. Jacob was to remember the way God had appeared to him and helped him in the past. When we lose sight of all other helpers, we need to remember that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46.1).

What was Jacob's response? He took God up on his offer! "Let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone" (Genesis 35.3). He did arise. He did go to the house of God. Knowing God is faithful, he took him at his word!

Wherever you are, whatever you face, arise and go to the house of God!

Prayer: Lord, I come to Bethel, into your house, to be in your presence - to worship you, and to remember all that you have done for me. In you I trust, O my God. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved." 7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: 9 "What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!" 11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (Psalms 30:6-12)