Daily a new Bible text for devotion - EZBB

Genesis 28:15-22

Jacob's response to this dramatic revelation of God's divine purposes and promises can be summarized in three statements.

1. Jacob erected a pillar.

Then Jacob rose early in the morning, took the stone that he had put under his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel; but before, the city was called Luz (verses 18-19).

The pillar would serve as a memorial. It would mark the place to which he would return to build an altar and worship God.

2. Jacob made a profession of faith.

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God” (verses 20-21).

Some tend to see the “ifs” in these words as evidence of Jacob's negotiating nature. It is as if Jacob were making a deal with God. Although Jacob's faith was certainly immature at this point, I, like others, tend to interpret the "ifs" more in the sense of "since," as a contradiction.

3. Jacob made a promise.

"And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house; and of all that thou givest me I will give the tenth to thee" (v. 22).

Jacob planned to return, according to the purpose of the vision he had. At that time, he would build an altar and give tithes to God. Although the Scriptures record the construction of the altar (35:7), there is no mention of the giving of tithes. It may be, however, that this tithe was included in the sacrifices that would be offered on the altar. There was no commandment to tithe; this was a voluntary act of Jacob.

One thing that should be highlighted is that the place is important. It certainly was important in Jacob's case. Experiencing God's blessing meant being in the place where God had promised to bless. I hear people say things like, "I can worship God just as well by the lake as in a church." But God's Word tells us, "...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some..." (Hebrews 10:25). Certainly, there are certain places where it would be difficult, even impossible, for a Christian to be present for the glory of God.