Genesis Chapter 35 - On A Journey With God

It was time for Jacob and his family to move on. God instructed Jacob to go to Bethel to settle down. This was the same place where Jacob had his first encounter with God when fleeing from his brother Esau.

Have you ever noticed how God makes a full circle? He will sometimes take us on a journey into new territories for He has much to show us and to teach us. Then, after we have had opportunities to grow and learn, He brings us back to our "land". This land could be geographical, denominational, or perhaps even relational. The exciting thing about this journey we are on with God is that we never know what is around the next bend. It is good just to trust Him and keep walking in His steps one day at a time. We need to grasp this moment in time, enjoy all the benefits this day offers us, learn all the new things we can learn---for tomorrow it may all change. "Only one life, ‘twill soon be past....Only what’s done for Christ will last."

God once again reminded Jacob of his new name, Israel, and how a nation would come from him. The land of Abraham and Jacob was now his. It doesn’t matter how many mistakes Jacob had made, he was still chosen for God’s purpose. Every now and then God would faithfully remind Jacob of this.

When is the last time God reminded you that you are His and that He is at work through you, fulfilling His purpose in you? If it has been a while since you have felt His personal touch, a reminder of how much He loves you, why don’t you make an altar today and pour out your love offering to Him on it. See if He doesn’t come in His own gentle way.

"He is here, hallelujah; He is here, amen!
He is here, Holy, Holy, I will bless His name again.
He is here, listen closely; hear Him calling out your name.
He is here - you can touch Him -
You will never be the same!"
(Kirk Talley, Copyright 1990 Kirk Talley Music/BMI)

This chapter concludes with the death of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel, and his father, Isaac. The tomb of Rachel is a tourist attraction in Bethlehem today. This woman made her mark in history, giving Jacob his two favorite sons, Joseph and Benjamin. It was Leah, however, that gave Jacob his son Judah…the line through which came King David, and eventually King Jesus. Rachel has a tomb in her honor; Leah has a King in her honor. This King is the only way of salvation and eternal life. King Jesus…do you know Him?