GENESIS 31 THE GOD OF BETHEL Over a period of twenty years a lot of changes can take place in family units, especially if one prospers more than others. It was time for Jacob to move on and he knew it. God confirmed it to him unmistakably. The name Jacob gave to Luz was Bethel, and that was the name God referred to it as. Whenever covenants are made with God, there is great moral and spiritual weight behind that covenant. There is no question that God takes seriously all that He does for us and through us. We should never treat any part of our life as if we can arbitrarily act on our own. God confirmed to Jacob the action he wanted to take. How he went about carrying out that action and the move back to Canaan was his choice. Intelligent decision making in the fear of God can be ratified by God.
The conflict building up over those twenty years came to a head when jealousy got a foothold. That led to an unhappy confrontation between Laban, his sons and Jacob when they finally met. When one is treated unfairly, to reply in an unfair way does not settle any conflict. It is far better "to rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." There will inevitably be unfair treatment of one kind or another through the years of our lives. The person of faith who acts wisely will not allow that to hinder their trust in God and His grace and goodness. The God of Bethel knows what is going on in my life and He can bring to pass whatever is in the current of His plans for me.
I noticed in watching the activities of Jacob that he made it a habit to do more that what was expected of him. Even after pay cuts, he continued to give what was expected and ultimately that attitude paid off. Doing more than what is expected of a person pleases God who wants to bless those choose to live by faith. Those for whom you work will recognize what kind of employee you are and often it means advancement to a better position. We also are always in the process of establishing our reputation and doing more than what is expected of you, or when treated unfairly establishes your reputation and enhances it. Others may even be motivated themselves by the example you set. Experience in how to deal with issues and people takes time, and the knowledge as how to address them comes from the difficulties we have had to pass through in life. God knows that and allows these "hard to take" times to come upon us that we might be stronger in faith and, hopefully, more able to lead and guide our own family and others who are watching our actions.
As I listened to the dialogue between Laban and Jacob, I got the definite impression that Jacob had learned more about God during these times of stress and frustration than he had known before. He was able to testify to the fact that he knew God was with him and he had developed a spiritual maturity he didn't have before. When He declared to his father-in-law his confidence was in God, it changed the whole atmosphere of confrontation into one of appeasement, agreement and conciliation. They may not have parted as friends, but they weren't enemies and had come to a settled conclusion of the issues that had divided them. I may never be able to work with certain people because of differing views on some things. It may not be wise for me to impose myself in the area of work they are or were engaged in. Even if I am invited to participate in that work, I must be careful to not allow myself to hinder their work or cause any problem to them, but I must also not compromise what I believe is essential for me. However, I do not have to have a schism between us or maintain a barrier that hinders our joy and effectiveness for God.
A very interesting spiritual development took place there on Mount Gilead. Jacob took an oath in the name of the Lord, with God Himself as the third-party witness. There was a sacrifice made as a testimony to the important decision made there, to be separate. The ones committed to the ways of the world and the ones committed to the ways of God have to recognize these two things don't mix. Those who live by faith in God, have to stay on the side we are called to, by God. The pillar raised there would remind Jacob of what he had left and to not return there again. The experiences in Padan-aram are past and done. Believers are "in the world, but are not of the world." I need to be reminded from time to time to stay on my side of the pillar to maintain my own witness to those who know me. If I were to go back to the other side, it would have serious negative effects on those who came from there because of my previous testimony.
There are choices to be made; decisions acted on - Actions that no longer can be delayed. The time has come, and soon it will be gone - If left unattended everyone involved will be dismayed. I must go away from that which is unjust and wrong - My whole life and testimony are at stake. Children and other observers expect me to be strong - Because they are all affected by the choices that I make.
The ranting and ravings of those who disagree - Are used to try and reverse my decision. But I must consider this is not only about me - This is a God-appointed spiritual division.
There is an uncleanness when the little gods of this world Try to compare themselves to the God of Bethel who I serve. When that pressure comes, the flag of allegiance is unfurled - And I leave them all behind at Mizpeh's final curve.
There is no point in looking back, Bethel is before - Waiting for you and your family - To meet with the God of Bethel once more - For there they too will see The reason you came in the first place And found there prosperity and love; Every animal and child are a testimony of the grace Of the God of Bethel who from His bounty gave.
I have never slept upon a stone pillow - I have never seen a ladder up to heaven. But the experiences with God I've had are not shallow - For many promises to me He has given. The God of the House of God is a real Person to me - When He speaks to me, I hear Him through His Word. Then as I read and obey, His presence seems to me The way it should be when I yield to Christ as Lord.
"Father, my mind is a bit slow this morning, but my heart still is filled, although I can't seem to get it into words. By Thy grace, look upon Thy weak servant and leave me not alone. I feel a special need for my faith to be strengthened. Linda has been sick two weeks out of the last four. People are attending the Gospel meetings but are not yet saved, and I am not sure if they want to be. The believers are being strengthened and that is a great blessing. Be glorified, O God, in any of this that is useful for Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."