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!

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.