Bibledoorajar: "Arise and Go to Your Bethel"

     How much can we identify with the spiritual ups and downs of Jacob? God had changed his name to Israel, Prince of God, but on so many occasions he remained Jacob- his flesh showing forth. Now, we find him a property owner in a idol oriented town. When newly married Rachel wanted to take her idol with her as they left her father's house, she had to hide it in her belongings. Now, idols are commonplace in the family's experience because Jacob planted his family in Shechem amid worldly and ungodly people. Jacob's experience with God was not that of his children and when his only daughter sought her own experiences she did so in the ungodly place of Jacob's choosing. The results were not pretty; lowering standards of living never are. Each of us can speak of the results of these types of life altering decisions in our own lives and in the lives of those we know and love.
     But at least, here is a good thing. After the sad affair with Dinah and the murder of her predators by her brothers, Jacob says to his family: "Let us arise, and go up to Bethel". God propels Jacob to regain lost spiritual ground. His family is still the source of future spiritual realities and must move toward that reality. God has a way of bringing his children back to the need we have to spend time in Bethel, the house of God. We are stirred to challenge the coarseness and the dryness we have allowed to enter our hearts. We realize our witness among others has waned. The apostle Paul spoke often of our need to follow God's leading as we confront the flesh. To return to our most blessed spiritual places is to renew us in a way that only the Holy Spirit can. To return to our "Bethels"  places us amid worship and fellowship of a more glorious kind. There we will be renewed and rekindled. When Jacob used the word "arise" it carried with it intent and purpose. How badly do you need to return to your Bethel? How motivated are you to "arise" and do so? May we all listen to the stirrings of the Spirit and respond accordingly so that our witness can remain strong and true. Amen.