03/06/2023 - THE FIRST WORK IN BETHEL

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And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.  Genesis 35.7

The despair that gripped Jacob in Shechem was past behind. It was all different now from the horrible atmosphere that his going to the land of the Hivites had become, where Dinah, his beloved daughter, was abused and humiliated. Jacob couldn’t understand how this had happened, and as he sought God’s direction for his situation, he realized that he needed to return to the first love and to the arms of the One who had revealed Himself to him and promised to always keep him.

The family felt peace. When they got rid of the gods, which were very much in their way, they were free of the terrors and fears that assailed them. Jacob and his family wanted to experience the good and unique position of those who trust in the Lord. Nothing would stop them from opening their hearts and seeking the Most High. In the House of God, their hopes would come true. After all, if their father was blessed there, so would they!

The patriarch set the example, doing his first work where God changed his life. Now he was bearing the fruit of the promise given to him: a family that was still small, but would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. We must return to our Bethel, the place where the Most High spoke to us. Then we will be able to take on what the Father has been telling us. There is light in Bethel, the ancient name of that place. Seek to walk in the Light!

The first important thing that Jacob did in the House of God was to build an altar, because he was hungry and thirsty to return to the divine presence. Whoever drinks from the water given by Jesus cannot bear to live away from Him. Whoever lives in communion with the Lord enjoys and lives the best He has to give. What must one do when the spiritual life becomes tedious, and prayers are not answered? Simple: return to Bethel and find the Father!

El-Bethel means the place where the Most High placed the ladder on earth to reach Heaven. On this instrument, there are angels who go up to take our requests and come down with the answer. This is the God for those who are in trouble, who live in anguish, in sorrow, and no matter how much they pray, they cannot get rid of their suffering. This secret Jacob discovered years before. Upon seeing the path his family was taking, he prayed and heard the guidance coming from Heaven.

Anyone who has been visited by God by reading the Bible, though the preaching of the Word, or an inspired song, and has had their life changed, cannot go back to their sad past. The Lord is the same, but that person has changed, so they must remember what they were told and start walking towards the Light. Without a doubt, if they continue to live without the divine operation, their end would come soon.

In Jacob’s attitude, it is clear that God never runs away from us, but we forsake Him. If we seek the Lord, we will find Him. So, let us set out with sincerity in our hearts and faith to meet Him. When you return, build an altar to God. This is done from within. Go back to walking next to the One who chose you (John 15:16).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares