tSoGS - Genesis 35:1-15

Genesis 35:1-15

This passage is uneventful in relation to much of what we've been reading, but it is not insignificant. It's almost as if Jacob grows up and into the role that God had planned for him when he first vied with Esau for who woul be first born.. Jacob hears God's call to be sent - to Bethel. He tells his family to rid themselves of any pagan idol or jewelry.thing (what took so long?), to purify themselves - set themselves apart for God.

Jacob recognizes God's grace in his life. God is calling Jacob to return to the place where he first encountered God's grace - fleeing Esau, the rock for a pillow, the dream of angels on a stairway to heaven, the altar, the PROMISE OF GOD.

Don't overlook the significance of this! Every so often you should return back to the places where you have set up stones - stones of remembrance - altars that speak of a time when God was very real to you.

Go back to the first mention of Bethel. Genesis 28 . . .

13 At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. 15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”

Now you see, perhaps the years have wisened Jacob and he recognizes how God has kept his promise. And Jacob is no longer "the deceiver." He is now Israel - the who strives with God."

Maybe the least "action" of most of your stories, but perhaps the most important of any of the stories about Jacob.

Have you set up stones where God's presence intersected your life? A Sunday in church? the day of your baptism? a retreat? a song? a moment of silence? Go back to those moments and see if God's plan doesn't seem a little clearer, His grace a little more real.

I for one, don't think you are reading this by accident to read this.  Set up some stones.