Make an Altar in Bethel

Genesis 35:1 says: “Then God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.'” God commanded Jacob to move, and when he moved, he was to build an altar to God in his new location. Although we are not today under the Old Testament Law, and do not build literal “altars”, there is yet an application for us here:

Wherever God leads us to locate physically, we should, in a sense, “make an altar there to God” — that is, worshipping Him should be a part of your life wherever you go. This means:
— Wherever you are, you should always walk with God in personal worship. Since we always have access to God through Christ, our worship is not limited by geography — and we should be very grateful for that.
— This also means that if you move, you should always “move your church membership” too. Wherever you settle, get involved in a local church where you can worship and serve. Don’t make the common mistake of moving somewhere and failing to get involved because all you do is reminisce about the great church you left back home, and how no others are like it. Do not let Satan neutralize you like that! When you move to “Bethel”, then “make an altar there”! Establish a new place of worship where you are! God is a sovereign God, who has led you to be in the exact place you are now — and He has plans for you there. So right there where He has you now, plan to meet Him in worship!

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About Shawn Thomas

My blog, shawnethomas.com, features the text of my sermons, book reviews, family life experiences -- as well as a brief overview of the Lifeway "Explore the Bible" lesson for Southern Baptist Sunday School teachers.
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2 Responses to Make an Altar in Bethel

  1. James gill's avatar James gill says:

    Thank very much pastor sharing encouraging word of God . This is personaly for me i have moved to east delhi for new church plant please pray for us

    • Shawn Thomas's avatar Shawn Thomas says:

      You are very welcome, James. I’m grateful that you are able to read these devotions, and glad that you are making personal application, too. I am indeed praying for you and your new work in East Delhi. Please keep me updated!

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