INTRODUCTION: In Genesis 28:10-22 we read of Jacob's vision and vow at Bethel. Bethel literally means "the house of God." Sadly Jacob seems to have forgotten or neglected his vow. For several years he had been in Canaan, yet he had never returned to Bethel. Spiritual declension is a natural propensity in saints and churches. Grace saves us and only grace can keep us.I. GOD REVIVES HIS PEOPLE - verses 1-4.
God's chastening hand often works to awaken believers from a state of spiritual complacency [Hebrews 12:6 and 11]. The events of Genesis 31 stirred up and unsettled Jacob. At that point God came with new direction. Notice some of the effects of revival in Jacob's life.A. Remembrance of God's former dealings [verses 1 and 3]. Jacob recalls his conversion and the circumstances that brought him to God. In revival the saint recalls and recovers the joy, wonder, and humility of God's salvation [Psalm 85:6; Psalm 51:12].
B. Renewed concern for others [verses 2-3]. When Jacob was spiritually revived he became concerned for the souls of his family.
C. Return to spiritual purity [verses 2-4]. When saints drift from God, worldliness begins to creep in. Even idolatry had begun to be tolerated.
Let us as Christians strive to have Christian homes. We need to act, dress, and speak in a Christian manner. The places we frequent and entertainment we indulge in need to be pleasing to the Lord. Our children should see in us that the world's standards are not those of God's children. (Earrings in the ancient world sometimes had idolatrous connections. This was not always the case as we see in Genesis 24:22. When things are wrong they should be disposed of with no thought of their monetary value. This is exemplified here and taught in Deuteronomy 7:25.)
D. Restoration of delight in God's house [verse 3]. When God's children are revived, their interest in God's house is renewed [Psalm 27:4]. Jacob had formerly worshiped God as the "God of Israel" [Genesis 33:20]. Remembering that "Israel" was Jacob's personal name we learn something about his spiritual state. When we think of God only as He concerns our personal life we are in a backslidden condition. After being revived Jacob worshiped God as the "God of Bethel" [verse 7]. He begins to think of God in relation to His house. God's glory and God's people become the concern of those who draw near to the Lord.
True spirituality never forgets that God has a family and a church. Christ taught us to pray "Our Father" so that we would not forget this. True revival will make God's house a priority in our life. The church is God's house in this age [I Timothy 3:15].
II. GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE - verse 5. God can use many means to protect His people. Here He placed a fear in the hearts of Jacob's enemies. Why should we fear when we follow such a God.
III. A SAD TRIAL - verses 6-8.
While at Bethel, Rebekah's old nurse passed away. No doubt she was Jacob's former nanny and dearly loved. This would seem to explain why she had come to live with them. She was buried under a tree henceforth known as "the oak of weeping."The lesson here is plain: Not spirituality nor even revival exempts us from trials in this life. Trials in fact not only awaken drowsy saints, but deepen the spirituality of those who are striving for God [James 1:2-4]. We learn to rely on God's promises and can experience peace in Christ even during our testings.
IV. THE PROMISES OF GOD - verses 9-15.
While at Bethel, God appeared to Jacob and renewed His promises. Jacob was assured that the promises made to Abraham and Isaac also belonged to him. Jacob responded with public worship and a memorial to God's presence.Many can say that they met God for the first time at church. They might also testify that there He has spoken to them many times since, through the preaching of His word. May we offer up spiritual sacrifices to God in our service at and through the church [I Peter 2:5; Philippians 2:17 and 4:18]. This is the spiritual meaning of verse 14. The pillar designated the spot as God's house. The drink-offering represented Jacob's spiritual service to God. In the Greek text of Philippians 2:17, Paul compares his life to a drink-offering poured forth in the service of God. The oil represented the presence of God's Spirit in the church.
V. ANOTHER TRIAL - verses 16-20.
As we read this account it is hard to forget Rachel's words in Genesis 30:1. Let us be careful how we speak. As Rachel died she named the child "son of my sorrow." Jacob wisely changed this to Benjamin which means "son of my right hand." Interestingly the death and birth occurred at Bethlehem.Several points here might be noted:
A. The Old Testament does distinguish between the soul and the body.B. Events in our life may have far-reaching implications. Both King Saul and the Apostle Paul were from the tribe of Benjamin.
C. Trials sometimes come in groups.
VI. ANOTHER HEARTBREAK - verses 21-22.
Somehow in the course of time, Reuben the eldest son, had an affair with one of his Father's wives. This act of incest was disgusting to God and to Jacob. Sadly such behavior was found in the Canaanite people [Leviticus 18:8 and 27-28].There is no doubt the couple thought their deed would be hidden, but as always their sin found them out [Numbers 32:23]. Not only was God dishonored and Jacob broken- hearted, but Reuben and his descendants suffered because of it [Genesis 49:3-4].
VII. JACOB'S SONS - verses 22-26.
Remember that Jacob (Israel) was the father of the twelve tribes. Including Joseph's sons who were adopted by Jacob [Genesis 48:5], there were actually more than twelve tribes. The reason for this is given in Genesis 48:22. This helps us to understand the variations given in the different listings of tribes found in the Bible.VIII. ISAAC DIES - verses 27-29.
This event occurred about fifteen years later than the other events in this chapter. It was placed here to complete the story of Jacob. Jacob is mentioned again but it is in the story of Joseph.
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