Jacob moved his household, his children, wives, servants and livestock to Bethel… because God told him to. The LORD told Jacob to build an altar to God who appeared to him years before as he was running away from Esau, his brother, 20 years before. Genesis 35:1
Jacob knew some in his household had brought idols with them. He told them to put away the foreign gods and purify themselves, and change clothes.
When we worship the LORD we also need to purify ourselves by confessing our sins to our God, and change our attitudes, our motives, our actions and words to please the Lord.
Jacob told his family that God was with him since he left home in distress and wherever Jacob had journeyed. Can you say that, too?
His household gave up their idols and gold rings in their ears, giving them to Jacob who hid them in a hole under an oak tree.
What “gods” do you need to hide away from your sight? What “gods” do you worship?
What is more important to you than God and His word to you? Perhaps you are not allowing God to be first in your life. You have choices you make every day, throughout the day. So do I. Do we consciously choose to put God in the number one spot as we journey through life?
As we journey through life, we experience grief, a beloved family or friend dies. Rebekah’s beloved nurse died and the household wept. Genesis 35:8
Rebekah would soon die giving birth to Benjamin… adding more grief for Jacob, for Rebekah held a special place in his heart as his beloved wife. Genesis 35:18-19
God’s Word ~ Alive!
Life is a journey,
keep God first on your journey through life.
Psalm 103:1-5
“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.”