Genesis 35 -- A New Beginning

“Many of the problems in the Christian life and in local churches result from incomplete obedience.  We know what the Lord wants us to do, we start to do it, and then we stop.  When we don’t continue to obey God and accomplish His will, even what we’ve done starts to die,” my commentary said.

God was directing Jacob toward a fresh start.  He spoke to him again, and reenergized Jacob, who then called for a time of cleansing for everybody.  First, the foreign idols had to go.  Next, everyone had to bathe (not an everyday occurrence, or even a weekly one) and change their clothes.  That symbolized making a new beginning.

Then they had to move.  They couldn’t remain in a place of disobedience.  God had called Jacob to Bethel and now he would finally go there.  In the same way, once we realize our own disobedience, we have to make a new start and then go back to where we last heard from God and then obey what He last told us to do.

Jacob then worshiped God and God reaffirmed his new name – Israel.  “Jacob’s restoration was now complete … though he still had much to learn about his walk with the Lord, Jacob was starting to be ‘Israel’ and live like a prince instead of a pauper,” my commentary said.  His twelfth son Benjamin was born, but at the same time he lost his beloved wife Rachel.  But this was only one trial to build his faith in God.  His first-born son Reuben may have been attempting to take over the leadership of the family when he had sex with Jacob’s wife Bilhah.  And after that tragedy, Jacob’s father Isaac died.  Life wasn’t to be a bed of roses.

Father, I’ve seen that my obedience doesn’t insure a carefree life, and I’ve come to trust You and to lean upon You when hard times come, for You are my salvation.  Thank You for being El Shaddai to me – God Almighty and God All-Sufficient.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford