Genesis 35:1-4 – “Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments; 3 and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4 So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which they had and the rings which were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem.”
As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, I felt deeply stirred. In Genesis 35, after Simeon and Levi had avenged their sister with violence, God instructed Jacob to go to Beth-El. The directive was to make an altar representing repentance, dedication, and worship. Jacob understood this could not be done with idols in their midst.
He instructed them to get rid of the foreign gods, cleanse themselves (repent), and change their clothes (lives). They gave him their idols and earrings. They should have disposed of them by fire and pulverization. He hid them under the oak tree near Sechem. That left the door open to taking them up again. Bad idea! Never leave room to go back to what you have put off.
In Matthew 21:12, when Jesus came into the temple, he drove out everything that was not conducive to prayer and worship. The temple is a place of ministry, not merchandise or entertainment. Its purpose is redemptive.
In Matthew 21:16, a quote from Psalm 8:2 identifies praise as a strength or power. Only those who never praise do not realize the power of praise. It is a chain breaker and opens the door to worship. It connects the heart to the spirit and is transformational.
Matthew 6:33 directs us to make God more important than anything. When God fills the heart, His presence pushes out everything foreign to love and purifies us. Love is the root and fruit of righteousness! Love enables us to endure. Love serves without expecting a reward. Love loves unconditionally and continuously. (Matthew 25:31-46). Love keeps the fire burning inside!
So, let us fill our hearts and minds with God and His Word. Make no place to go back. Burn all the bridges of the past. Do not bury the past; offer it on the altar to God! God will remove it!
Victory is now! Have a fantastic day; keep looking up; redemption is near!
