BACK TO BETHEL - Genesis 35:1-7
Someone has said about Jacob "that he is the worst and the best man in the Old Testament."
He cheated his brother, (Esau, he is at his worst:) He makes his vows to Go... View MoreBACK TO BETHEL - Genesis 35:1-7
Someone has said about Jacob "that he is the worst and the best man in the Old Testament."
He cheated his brother, (Esau, he is at his worst:) He makes his vows to God after his vision,(he is at his best.)
After his sin against Esau, Jacob’s mother advised him to flee. He left his home in a hurry, and he spent his first night under the stars with a stone for a pillow. It was there that God appeared to him.
The next morning he made his vow, saying, “This is my God and I will follow Him all the days of my life, and of that which He gives to me I will give the tenth unto Him.” (Genesis 28:2)
He became rich; But he forgot God and the vows he made at Bethel.
The years go by and now he is coming home. He has another experience with God: he wrestles with the angel and prevails. He meets Esau and Esau forgives and forgets, But Jacob is not yet filled with peace, for his sin is still on his heart. Then God calls him; “Go back to Bethel" (Gen. 35:1). Go back where you made your vow, Go back where you first felt My presence. Go back and renew your vows and start life over again. Give up your gods and return to Bethel.
Our Bethel is where we met Jesus for the first time and responded to his call.
I. WHY DOES GOD CALL US BACK TO BETHEL? Maybe it's Complacency; Maybe your are too comfortable. Maybe you need a Change in attitude. You've been Sidetracked by the world, flesh and the Devil and You have Forgotten his promises. Since he calls us back must mean he desires our best.
II. HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO RETURN TO BETHEL?
V. 2 "And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.". Get rid of all those distractions.
(3 ways) Put away your gods, Purify yourselves; Put on a change of garments. Clean up your act.
III. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GO BACK TO BETHEL?
It Means going back to your first Love; Means going back to a better life than we once new; Means going back to the bible. Someone once said, “A man who has been through 100 high schools and universities and who does not know the Bible is not an educated man and never can be.” Bethel (meaning "House of God.") It's time to go back to Bethel. That place where you first met God! That place where God became real to you! That place where you experienced God .
