GENESIS 35:3. “And let us arise, and go up to Bethel: and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.”
UP TO BETHEL. In this world there comes each day, things that demand attention. Home-life brings great joy to me, for it reaches to my heart. Business calls me to attend it, and its claims have great attraction. Its power over me is, it takes too much time to finish what I start.
Neither of these is wrong in itself, in fact each can be very good – If I control the both of them so that neither can take over – The time I set aside each day to pray and read God’s Word. More than that – I can’t let them stop me from going up to Bethel.
The house of God won’t synchronize with all the works I do. If I only try to fit it in between all the other things – The time-consuming ones will always add a demand or two – And Bethel is neglected and I miss all the joy it brings.
Each claim on me calls with loud voice – from work to education; “I need more time, God’s house can wait, this opportunity is passing.” If I’m not careful, I’ll decide based on the situation – And Bethel, for me waits, but is not able to give its blessing.
The “valley things:” take a good look, are they really so necessary? Bethel waits up on God’s hill – I really need to go there. God meets with us when up there we go, and in God’s presence tarry. By going up to Bethel, sweet fellowship we share.
"Father, I am going up to Thy house in a short time to hear what Thou hast to say to me. In the time spent at Bethel, speak to my heart and make me willing to receive the Word that is presented. I know the spiritual food to be given is essential to my spiritual well-being. I am anticipating what Thou art going to say through Thy servant – at Bethel. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”