New beginnings in Christ

Genesis 35:1-12.

How can we find hope for a new beginning - whatever our season of life? In Christ is God's invitation to come!

Genesis 34 records a series of sad events in Jacob's family (verses 1-4, 11-15, 24-25). And towards the end of the chapter, he is deeply troubled. At this point, to Jacob, there is no coming back - this is the end - for certain, “I and my family will be destroyed” (v30). It was at this tipping point that God rescued Jacob with an invitation. God said to Jacob, “Go up to Bethel” (35:1). Bethel was a place Jacob knew as the house of God (28:16-19).

34:30; 35:1. Amidst Jacob's troubles, God said come to me in Bethel.
35:2-5. Jacob responded to God by letting go of idols and setting out to Bethel.
35:6-7. When they got to Bethel, they built an altar - called on God.
35:10. God answered Jacob with a new beginning, “you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.”
35:11-12. And God reassured Israel of His promises.

Jacob comes to God in Bethel and finds rest in His time of trouble. As new testament believers, we come to God through Jesus - a better and ever-present Bethel by His Spirit - and we find rest, forgiveness, new beginnings and many promises. (Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1:20)

Reflect & Pray

In what way might you need God's rest or a new beginning? What promise of Scripture might God be using to encourage you?

Loving Father, thank You that through Your Son, Jesus, we can have new beginnings and many promises. Help us to keep coming back to You in Jesus' name.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

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