< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>Bethel< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>

Genesis 35: 1-5

Jacob was not where he was with God at the time his sons finished destroying Shechem. JacobÕs sons, Simeon and Levi, were seeking revenge against Shechem because their sister Dinah was defiled. They served a good justice to Schechem as a revenge for their sisterÕs defilement, but their way of doing it was wrong. Genesis35:1, ÒThen God said to Jacob, ÔArise go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.ÓÕ For Jacob and his household, it has become a sinful land. Jacob has to return to the place of worship (Bethel). Jacob needed to get himself and household back to God. Are you still in a place of worship? Has any situation defiled your dwelling place? God wants to be in constant touch with you; He wants you to be in a place of worship. For Jacob to get up to Bethel there had to be adjustment. Genesis 35:2 ÒAnd Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ÔPut away the foreign gods, that are among you, purify yourselves, and change you garments.Ó What has come before you and your God? Cleansing (personal and moral purity) is to be in place. Garment, which is how you portray yourself to the world, is to be of God. You have a need to reflect God. Jacob requested and made all the changes; they rose and moved as God required. Where are you from and your household? Arise; go up to Bethel (place of worship) and dwell.