Bibledoorajar Applauds Jacob's Response

     We have been following the progress Jacob the man made to becoming Israel the Prince. On our last visit, we remarked on his humiliation following the violation of his daughter Dinah. What conviction of heart did Jacob feel as he dealt with the events surrounding the violation of Dinah? Just how humiliated did this father feel at the city gate following these terrible events?  It is clear to me that Jacob inventoried his life and its' most recent happenings and that his life status and that of his family came up wanting. He must have been convicted that his bringing his family to Shechem had led to serious reversals in their walk with God. And so Jacob is to be commended for 1) burying all the family idols at Shechem and 2) returning to Bethel in the midst of his sorrows. Luz (light): Bethel (House of God) was seen as the greater need now.
     As we approach the Day of Thanks, it would behoove us all to look at our most recent responses in life. Are we living at a place that has drawn us closer to Him? Have we given our sorrows to Him as He gave His for us? Think of those early pilgrims who chose to honor God with a harvest feast after a serious drought broke. The drought may have brought concerns and even sorrows, but God was faithful to the small group. May we find Luz and the House of God ever to be the place for us. Happy Thanksgiving!