Back to Bethel

It's easy to forget. But, can you remember promises that God has spoken to you? It's time to go back to Bethel. Keep Reading...

Genesis 35:1 - Then God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel and settle there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you were fleeing from your brother Esau.”

Years had passed - over 20 years - since Jacob had met God at Bethel. At their first meeting, Jacob was on the run from his brother, Esau. Deception and murderous threats were swirling about the family. Since that time, more deception, lies and even murder had taken place. A time of refocus and renewed calling was definitely needed.

God called Jacob back to Bethel - the place of the God-encounter, the place of remembrance. God wanted this meeting. He knew it was needed for the good of the coming generations.

Jacob responded appropriately and prepared his family for the meeting. He instructed them to get rid of the foreign gods they had picked up on the way. It’s interesting that they already had so much idolatry in their midst at this point.

God then came to Jacob and reiterated the promises he spoke to Abraham and Isaac. And he also gave Jacob something new - a new name. This was a stamp of hope for the future… a daily reminder that God keeps his promises.

Go back to the time when you clearly heard God’s voice or sensed his direction in your life. Can you remember? What did he say? Prepare yourself to hear him again. Get rid of impurity or any “foreign” influences that would seek to tarnish God’s character in your life.

God wants to speak his promises again over your life. He is calling you to come back and listen. Take time to do this now.