Learning From OT Greats: Jacob – Wrestling With PurposeSample

Day 5: Jacob returns to Bethel 

Thoughts on the Passage

Bethel, a place where commitments are renewed.

Bethel means the house of God. In this place, God appeared to Jacob when he was going to Padam-Aram and gave him the promises of Abraham. Jacob made promises in this place as well – “God if You will keep this promise and bring me back in peace to my family, then You will be my God.” God brought Jacob back safely – but Jacob did not go to Bethel. Now, God brings him to Bethel.

Here, Jacob renews his commitment to God. Jacob gets rid of any idols among his family. Jacob makes an altar where they worship and make their commitment to God – to worship Him and serve Him.

In this place – and as this family makes this commitment – God shows up. God appears to Jacob. God commits the full Abrahamic blessing to Jacob and his family. It is a powerful moment. This place becomes a place of open heaven for Jacob. He sets up another monument/pillar and calls it Bethel. These pillars are Jacob’s way of declaring special meeting places between himself and God. It is a place of honor and remembrance. It is a place where God is worshipped. It is a place of peace – where God released peace in a broken family; peace with neighbouring peoples; and peace in Jacob’s heart. It is a place we need to find, to stay, to worship God, and to remember always.

Application to our Lives

Where has God showed up in Your life? Do you have physical markers, pictures, or memories that you go back to and let God speak again to you? Do you go back to places and renew commitments to God? They are worth having… and visiting (physically or through memories).

Bethel was a house of peace. Ask God to give you such a place!

Time to Pray

Father, I am reminded of several places where You comforted me in the midst of difficult times. I am reminded of the peace that You brought to me in those places – even as I faced some very difficult times. I am reminded of places where You spoke to me. They have become marker posts in my life. 

Today, I choose to go back and remember the promises You gave me in those places. I choose to worship and thank You afresh for Your faithfulness in keeping Your promises. Where promises still need to be fulfilled, I bless Your name and remind You that You are a promise-keeping God. And I leave those places, filled with peace – Your peace. Thank You. In Jesus name, Amen.