Return To Bethel

Jacob had his personal encounter with the Lord at Bethel. It was there that he made some vows to Him (Gen 28:19). After about twenty years, it seems that Jacob have forgotten his vows (Gen 31:41). But God never forgets (Ecc 5:4)! Jacob and his household strayed away from God, and were mixed up in idolatry (v. 4). Now, God was calling him back to that place of blessings (v. 1). Sadly, many professing believers today find themselves in the same condition! The fire of excitement upon receiving Jesus as their Lord and Saviour by faith (Acts 3:8), had died down.

They became cold on the things of God, just like the church at Ephesus (Rev 2:4). If you are in that spiritual state today, God wants to remind you that He is near to “all them that call upon Him” (Ps 145:18). Remember your condition before He saved you by His grace (Ps 40:2)? Then you had “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). Upon his return to Bethel, Jacob was to build an “altar unto God.” When we wander away from God, He also convicts us to return to Him and He will return to us (Mal 3:7).

When we humbly confess our sins, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 Jn 1:9)! He is calling His wayward children back to the place where He is first and foremost in their lives (Mt 6:33), so “He might have the preeminence” (Col 1:18). Remember those days when tears flowed down your cheeks upon singing “Amazing Grace?” Remember when you loved God’s church, His word, and the brethren? Remember when God was always first, and He received your very best? That is where He wants you today. Come home and rekindle your first love, rebuild the altars of worship, and restore your faithful service to Him! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera