Genesis 33:18-20 18 Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. 19 And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.20 Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel. Jacob’s return to the land of God’s promise marks a major moment in the Biblical story. A lot will unfold in Shechem in the years ahead. There is much life to be found in this place. But what’s most significant in this brief story moment is the first step Jacob took in this new home—he built an altar proclaiming that God was his God. Now modern times are far more transitional than Jacob’s ancient day. Moving from place to place has become a way of life. And we don’t typically construct shrines in the backyard to demonstrate our worship, but how do you reveal your priority of worship everywhere you go? How have you shown your connection with God in the new places of your life? Jacob’s recent journey had been life-changing. He had fled from the “comforts” of Laban’s country, encountered God in a powerful way, and discovered that his relationship with his brother had been healed. God had truly been faithful, so it seems Jacob felt that this new day in his relationship with God needed to take a central place in his new home. Good thinking, right? If God is faithfully guiding our steps, we should also place our relationship with Him in the center of every move we make. He goes before us. Makes sense that we would acknowledge that leadership and be grateful for His promise to always be with us.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 11:07:47 +0000
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