Bethel
Continuing the subject of Elisha's journey with Elijah down to the river Jordan. We have already seen the meaning of Gilgal. Let us now look at Bethel.
Bethel is seen clearly in the life of Jacob. In Genesis chapter 28 we know how Jacob had a vision at Bethel. He saw a ladder or stairway to heaven. He saw the Lord standing above the ladder. He received certain wonderful promises in vv 13, 14 and 15. The promise of Gen 28.15 is especially significant, because it reflects the wonderful grace of God. God says He will do everything. Jacob need not struggle and strive for the blessing. What God has promised He will perform.
Jacob declared that this stairway is the gate of heaven and this place is none other than the house of God. Our Lord explains it this way in John 1.51. Speaking to Nathaniel He says, 'You shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.' So that ladder/stairway speaks of the Cross, of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The Cross is the entrance to the House of God. Of course, Jacob has a glimmer of light, but his faith is not strong. His mind is set on earthly things, despite the vision of heaven.
In Genesis 35, the meaning of Bethel is made more clear. It is here that Jacob tells his family to 'put away the foreign gods [idols] that you have with you'. He says, 'Purify yourselves and change your garments.' He testifies to God's faithfulness. Here he builds his first true altar to God, and he calls the place El Bethel, which means 'God of Bethel'. His eyes are upon God, even more than the House of God. Here God confirms his new name, Israel. Here God gives him a special promise, Gen 35.11, which speaks of fruitfulness. Fruitfulness through the inward work of the Cross; the same fruitfulness which Jesus speaks of in John 12.23. The same fruitfulness that Abraham experienced after he was 'emptied'; the same fruitfulness that Job experienced after he was 'broken'.
God did not appear in a vision at El Bethel, but He came and talked with Jacob and went up to heaven, Gen 35.13-15.
It is another matter that Bethel became a place of idolatry in the history of Israel. Here Jeroboam set up his golden calf.
If we want to serve God in His house, we must be crucified Christians, and there must be no place for the flesh or for idols. The reference made by Jacob in Gen 35.2 is to Rachel's favourite household gods [she wanted to have a claim on the property of Laban]. The TV can become a household god; property can become an idol in the heart. Apollos can become an idol in the Corinthian church, just as any celebrity speaker in evangelical circles. We need to come into direct contact with God, into intimate communion with Him. But this is not possible without the inward work of the Cross.
Bethel is seen clearly in the life of Jacob. In Genesis chapter 28 we know how Jacob had a vision at Bethel. He saw a ladder or stairway to heaven. He saw the Lord standing above the ladder. He received certain wonderful promises in vv 13, 14 and 15. The promise of Gen 28.15 is especially significant, because it reflects the wonderful grace of God. God says He will do everything. Jacob need not struggle and strive for the blessing. What God has promised He will perform.
Jacob declared that this stairway is the gate of heaven and this place is none other than the house of God. Our Lord explains it this way in John 1.51. Speaking to Nathaniel He says, 'You shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.' So that ladder/stairway speaks of the Cross, of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The Cross is the entrance to the House of God. Of course, Jacob has a glimmer of light, but his faith is not strong. His mind is set on earthly things, despite the vision of heaven.
In Genesis 35, the meaning of Bethel is made more clear. It is here that Jacob tells his family to 'put away the foreign gods [idols] that you have with you'. He says, 'Purify yourselves and change your garments.' He testifies to God's faithfulness. Here he builds his first true altar to God, and he calls the place El Bethel, which means 'God of Bethel'. His eyes are upon God, even more than the House of God. Here God confirms his new name, Israel. Here God gives him a special promise, Gen 35.11, which speaks of fruitfulness. Fruitfulness through the inward work of the Cross; the same fruitfulness which Jesus speaks of in John 12.23. The same fruitfulness that Abraham experienced after he was 'emptied'; the same fruitfulness that Job experienced after he was 'broken'.
God did not appear in a vision at El Bethel, but He came and talked with Jacob and went up to heaven, Gen 35.13-15.
It is another matter that Bethel became a place of idolatry in the history of Israel. Here Jeroboam set up his golden calf.
If we want to serve God in His house, we must be crucified Christians, and there must be no place for the flesh or for idols. The reference made by Jacob in Gen 35.2 is to Rachel's favourite household gods [she wanted to have a claim on the property of Laban]. The TV can become a household god; property can become an idol in the heart. Apollos can become an idol in the Corinthian church, just as any celebrity speaker in evangelical circles. We need to come into direct contact with God, into intimate communion with Him. But this is not possible without the inward work of the Cross.
posted by prolix at 11:22 PM
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