GENESIS 28
18 So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 20 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, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
– Genesis 28:18-22
GENESIS 28 JACOB WORSHIPS AND VOWS AT BETHEL
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
After Jacob rested and dreamed of the ladder to heaven
He took that stone that he rested his head on
He set it up on a pillar and anointed it with oil
Then he called that place Bethel and made a vow
If God will be with him always and provide for all his needs
He will give a tenth of everything that he receives.
In this account, we get a glimpse of Jacob’s acknowledgement and gratitude to the Lord who kept him safe and provided for during his journey to go to his uncle in Paddan-aram. What an assurance that was when he dreamed of the ladder to heaven and how the Lord promised him that he will always be with him until his covenant promise to his grandfather Abraham is fulfilled.
Earlier, he just stole his brother’s blessing and birthright which led him to flee because of his anger and plot to kill him. I would imagine that there must be fear in him because we know that he is a tent dweller and not a hunter like his brother. It must have been a challenge to travel for him. And yet, we see his obedience to his mother: first, even though he didn’t think he would be able to follow her plan, he still honored her despite those fears. Because of such obedience, God spoke to him and reiterated his covenant promise to his grandfather Abraham.
REFLECTION
- Why is worship the right response to anything that we have received from God?
