Genesis 35:1-29

GO UP TO BETHEL

Keywords 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."

 

1. God renewed his covenant with Jacob (1-15)

When Jacob lost his life direction by killing all the males of Shechem, God helped

him to return to keep his vow in Bethel. When Jacob obeyed God wholeheartedly

by getting rid of all idols from his families, the terror of the Lord fell and no one

pursued them. He safely returned to Bethel, made an altar and worshiped God,

calling, “El Bethel,” God of Bethel. God confirmed his name as Israel and renewed

his covenant to prosper his descendants to inherit the Promised Land. We must

return to God and restore our first love for God in our times of difficulty, for God is

our only helper.

 

2. God raised 12 patriarchs (16-29)

Later Rachel died after giving birth to Benjamin, the 12th son of Jacob. God thus

established 12 patriarchs in times of adversity and hardship in Paddan Aram. God

keeps his promises. He prospers us even when our life is messed up with so many

troubles in this world. It’s because we are his covenant people through Jesus.

 

Prayer Lord, we praise and thank you for your faithfulness in keeping your

promises even when we forget your promise.

One Word God of Bethel